The United States government has imposed a 10% tariff on all Kenyan exports entering the country, effective immediately. This move is in response to Kenya’s 16% value-added tax (VAT) on American goods.
According to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, “We are open to dialogue, but Kenya must come to the table and address this imbalance. President Trump has made it clear that America will not tolerate one-sided trade policies.”
The tariff is expected to impact Kenyan exports, including coffee, tea, and textiles, which totaled over $600 million in trade with the U.S. last year. Kenyan officials have yet to respond formally to the U.S. tariff announcement.
The White House has emphasized that the tariff could be lifted if Kenya engages in direct talks with President Trump to reverse its VAT policy. Economists warn that the tit-for-tat measures could disrupt a previously stable trade relationship, with ripple effects felt across East African markets.