This archive report was first published on 19 November 2021.
Published on November 19, 2021, Kenya's imports from Tanzania hit KSh20.5 billion in H1 2021, marking a substantial increase from the KSh10.8 billion recorded in the same period the previous year.
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the value of goods exported to Tanzania also grew to KSh17.8 billion, up from KSh14 billion in H1 2020.
The improvement in trade between the two countries can be attributed to the resolution of trade disputes and the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Following the state visit by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu to Kenya in June 2021, the Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) identified and resolved 30 out of 64 issues affecting trade between the two countries.
Some of the key resolutions include the customs clearance of soft drinks made in their territories and the removal of inspection fees on processed products with a standardisation mark.
Kenya also agreed to grant cement imports from Tanzania preferential treatment in accessing its market, while Tanzania allowed Kenyan juices and wheat flour to be exported without hindrances at the border.
Overall, Kenya's imports increased to KSh992 billion in the first six months of 2021, a significant recovery from the COVID-19-linked slump experienced in 2020.
