Kenya sets up flower wall at Shanghai import expo; less than 5 per cent of its 2025 cut-flower exports went to China

Kenya has set up a flower wall at the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, which opened on 5 November and runs to 10 November, to attract Chinese importers, Xinhua reported on 8 November. Kenyan flower growers are using the expo to expand in the Chinese market.

Kenyan authorities put the country's cut-flower exports in 2025 at about US$800 million, less than 5 per cent of which went to China. Dennis Mwirigi, chairman of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) and a director at Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Limited, said: "We want that number to grow substantially because we believe China is a huge market." He said growers are considering sea-and-rail freight and direct air cargo, and hope to use customs facilitation in the Changsha area of the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

Kenya is one of the theme countries for the 2026 "Export to China" initiative. Floice Mukabana, chief executive officer of KEPROBA, said China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, including Kenya, should boost exports of flowers and other agricultural commodities such as avocados, macadamia nuts, tea and coffee.

The zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries took effect on 1 May 2026, People's Daily Online reported on 6 November. Erick Rutto, president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), said Kenyan roses previously attracted a 4 per cent import tariff in China: "Removing that 4 percent tariff effectively improves the margin that exporters can earn."

The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced the measure on 28 April. It extends zero tariffs, from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028, to the 20 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China and are not classed as least developed. The 33 least developed African countries with diplomatic ties have had zero tariffs on all tariff lines since 1 December 2024. For goods under tariff quotas, only the in-quota rate falls to zero.

United Selections, a flower-breeding company in Nakuru County that selects, breeds and trials flowers resistant to pests and diseases, is among the growers looking at China. Nathan Joseck, its assistant crop manager, said one of its varieties doing well there is Jumilia: "Everyone is going for it." He said: "Our agent is on the ground and can link up with growers in China."

Fidelis Mwendwa, the company's marketing assistant, said: "Definitely, the zero tariff policy will increase supply."

Rutto led a delegation of nearly 40 Kenyan businesspeople and exporters to the expo. KNCCI has established a permanent representative office in Changsha, Hunan Province, for the first time in its 60-year history. Rutto called China "a magic market for African products."

Rutto said preliminary trade data available to the chamber indicated an estimated 8 to 10 per cent increase in trade volumes, though a longer assessment period would be needed to establish the policy's full impact.

The Star reported on 2 May, citing the Economic Survey 2026, that Kenya's exports to China fell to KSh 16.9 billion in 2025 from KSh 26.3 billion in 2024, while imports from China rose to KSh 671.2 billion from KSh 576.1 billion.

Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, said: "This marks a decisive new chapter for Kenya's export growth," as quoted by The Star. He said efforts were under way to streamline certification and customs processes.

The Star listed the requirements for exporters: they must register with both Kenyan authorities and China's General Administration of Customs. Plant and agricultural products need a phytosanitary certificate from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and labels must be in Chinese, giving the product name, origin, ingredients, dates and the customs registration number.

Exporters must also keep product traceability systems and submit to periodic inspections where these apply. Shipments must carry a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, export permits, health certificates and related customs documents.