Kenya records reduced revenue as tea exported to Turkey was slapped with a 145 percent tariff and limited market opportunities. for local farmers
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) chairman Kiprono Kittony expressed his concern on the matter saying they are lobbying for the tariff to be lifted as it has led to the smuggling of black tea to Turkey.
“Both countries need to address the tariff issue, Kenya charges a tariff of 25 percent on Turkish imports to Kenya whereas Turkey has a duty of 145 percent on Kenyan Tea.
Kenya has a high ability to take advantage of Turkey’s established tea drinking culture as it’s known for having the highest per capita consumption at 2.5kg annually.
“There is a need of forming a bilateral trade agreement between Kenya and Turkey that will introduce a concession on imports to Turkey to enhance the great relationship between our two nations,” said Mr. Kittony at a recent meeting with Turkish delegation.
Kenya is well known for its tea, tobacco, raw vegetables, leather, coffee, spices, cocoa, textile fibers, fish, and raw materials for dye and paints exportation.
Import products from Turkey are mainly fertilizers which accounts for 20 percent of the value of imports from Turkey and electrical products.
