Kenyan Coffee Exports to China Surge Nearly 140 Percent Following Tariff Removal
Kenya has significantly increased its coffee exports to China following the introduction of zero-tariff trade arrangements for African countries. Between May and August 2026, Kenyan exports of green coffee beans to China reached approximately 1,710 tonnes, up nearly 140 percent year on year.
According to trade statistics, the value of these shipments totaled about 14.67 million U.S. dollars, representing an increase of approximately 97 percent compared with the same period last year.
On May 1, China extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, including Kenya. The policy has created additional opportunities for Kenyan coffee producers.
One of the businesses benefiting from the change is a family-owned coffee plantation in Nyeri County, central Kenya. Established about 50 years ago, the plantation primarily grows Arabica coffee.
The company began exporting coffee to China in 2022 and currently supplies mainly unroasted green coffee beans. Its principal Chinese markets include Guangzhou, Shanghai and Changsha.
Kenyan coffee is known for its distinctive flavor profile, influenced by high-altitude growing conditions and red volcanic soil. Josephine, a company representative, said Kenya may not compete with some Latin American countries in terms of production volume, but its coffee is recognized for its quality.
She explained that coffee from Nyeri is characterized by bright acidity and fruity notes, including blueberry and strawberry flavors. To expand its sales, the company is participating in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. It attended the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo last year and is making its first appearance at CIIE this year.
Josephine said China's large consumer market offers significant opportunities. Through the exhibition, the company hopes to establish partnerships with distributors from additional Chinese cities and expand its market reach. The business is also working to diversify its product range and develop higher-value coffee products.
The ninth CIIE has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors across more than 440,000 square meters of exhibition space. More than 480 products and technologies are making their global, Asian or Chinese market debuts, a record for the event.
As reported by SSTV+, Kenya's coffee exports to China increased by nearly 140 percent in volume between May and August following the introduction of zero tariffs. Kenyan producers are using CIIE to connect with new buyers and expand their distribution networks.
