Kenyan Exporters Set to Benefit as UK Simplifies Import Rules for 65 Countries
- Kenyan exporters are set to benefit from the United Kingdom’s newly announced trade reforms under the upgraded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
- The UK has relaxed rules of origin that allow countries like Kenya to source raw materials from across Africa while retaining tariff-free access to the UK market
- The UK imported goods worth over £3.2 billion (about KSh 557 billion) from Africa under preferential terms last year, and the new rules aim to expand this by reducing trade barriers and supporting intra-African trade
Elijah Ntongai, an editor at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of financial, business, and technology research and reporting experience, providing insights into Kenyan, African, and global trends.
Kenyan exporters are set to gain from trade reforms announced by the United Kingdom.
Source: Original
The UK has introduced trade reforms, changing the rules of engagement to strengthen economic ties with developing partners under the upgraded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
The DCTS, which was launched in 2023, following the UK’s exit from the EU, is the UK’s flagship trade preference scheme, covering 65 countries and offering reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products.
UK simplifies British market access
In a press statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, on July 10, the UK unveiled new measures simplifying access to the British market by reducing trade barriers and modernising import rules.
Notably, the reforms include simplified rules of origin, which will allow developing countries like Kenya to source raw materials and inputs from across Africa while still enjoying tariff-free access to the UK.
This flexibility is expected to support value addition and intra-African trade and promote the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), estimated to be worth $3.4 trillion.
Importance of trade partnerships
According to the UK government, over £3.2 billion (about KSh 557 billion) worth of goods from Africa entered the UK under preferential terms last year. The new rules aim to expand this by improving trade conditions and cutting red tape for exporters.
“These new rules will make it easier for developing countries to trade more closely with the UK. This is good for their economies and for UK consumers and businesses,” said UK Minister for Development Jenny Chapman.
Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander emphasised the economic impact of trade, stating,
“No country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trading with its neighbours. Trade has been essential in lifting millions out of poverty.”
Besides the tariff reforms, the UK also announced support programmes to help African exporters comply with UK product standards, navigate customs procedures, and increase trade in services like digital, financial, and legal sectors.
The reforms fall under the UK’s broader “Trade for Development” strategy, which seeks to promote inclusive growth, affordable consumer goods, and global trade resilience.
Kenya, already a major UK trade partner in East Africa, is expected to leverage these reforms to expand its exports in agriculture, horticulture, textiles, and value-added manufacturing.
UK's trade envoy to East Africa
In other news, the United Kingdom appointed Kate Osamor as the new trade envoy to Kenya and East Africa to strengthen bilateral economic relations and boost trade between the UK and the region.
Osamor, a Labour MP and the first black woman to represent Edmonton, was charged to work with partners in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda to identify trade and investment opportunities, enhance collaboration, and promote shared prosperity.
The UK High Commission in Nairobi confirmed that Osamor’s role, although voluntary, is key to driving growth as trade between Kenya and the UK.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
