Nairobi – Kenya’s exports to the US face new challenges following US tariff changes.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (KNCCI) has raised concerns about new trade policies and warns that it could have a major impact on exporters, investors and key industries that rely on the US market.
While Kenya rarely retaliates with higher import duties, the KNCCI plans to convene an urgent meeting with stakeholders to discuss mitigation strategies.
“The Trump administration’s mutual tariffs are awakening calls to reassess Kenya’s economic structure since 1960. This provides a unique opportunity to build resilient local industries, particularly to promote industrialization of IT, digital technology, equipment and machinery,” Kncci said in a statement.
To counter the increase in tariffs of 10%, the Chamber of Commerce will explore alternative export opportunities and new global markets in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, Investment, Industry and the issues of foreign and diaspora.
Meanwhile, policy support and lobbying efforts will be strengthened to increase the ease of business in Kenya and to help investors navigate the evolving trading environment.
Tariff hikes also strengthen the need for Africa to accelerate intra-regional trade by promoting capital flows, expanding trade-in services and opening domestic markets to increase independence and economic resilience.
