US Trump Tariffs Spark Trade Tensions with Kenya Over Corn Ban

United States President Donald Trump has fired a stern warning at Kenya, accusing it of unfair trade practices that block American corn exports. In a move to defend American farmers, Trump’s administration flagged a 50% tariff Kenya slaps on U.S. corn, calling it a deliberate barrier to trade. The warning follows Trump’s own executive order slapping Kenya’s exports with new tariffs—setting the stage for a brewing trade war that could rattle key sectors like textiles, tea, and coffee. Through the U.S. Department of Trade, Trump criticized Kenya for imposing a 50% tariff on American corn. The U.S. said these tariffs, combined with strict regulations, make it almost impossible to sell corn to Kenya. [Photo: Courtesy] Trump Tariffs Target Kenya in Escalating Trade Row President Donald Trump , on Monday, April 7, issued a strong statement targeting Kenya’s trade policies. Through the U.S. Department of Trade, Trump criticized Kenya for imposing a 50% tariff on American corn. The U.S. said these tariffs, combined with strict regulations, make it almost impossible to sell corn to Kenya. “Kenya imposes a 50 percent tariff on imports of U.S. corn, and imposes burdensome regulatory requirements,” the Department noted. “This has effectively blocked U.S. corn exports to Kenya.” The U.S. believes Kenya's corn market, especially in the feed sector, holds massive potential—currently valued at $50 million (Ksh6.4 billion). Analysts predict it could grow by 30% by 2027. But high tariffs have locked out American producers from tapping into that growth. President Trump, citing his “America First” trade policy, warned of consequences if Kenya fails to remove the trade barriers. He said the U.S. would retaliate to protect its farmers and restore balance in international trade. “Securing market access for American farmers will ensure they can compete on a level playing field,” Trump emphasized. The 50% tariff applies to all non-EAC (East African Community) and non-COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) countries, including the United States. Kenya uses this tariff to protect local farmers from cheap foreign imports and promote self-reliance in maize production. However, the Kenyan government has occasionally waived such tariffs to stabilize food prices, especially during droughts or maize shortages. Kenya Hit Back with Tariffs on Exports to U.S. In a tit-for-tat move, Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, April 2, imposing a new 10% tariff on all Kenyan exports to the U.S. The move could severely disrupt Kenya’s Ksh109.7 billion ($784 million) trade relationship with the United States. Previously, Kenyan goods—especially textiles, tea, and coffee—enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). But Trump’s order places those industries at risk. Kenya now faces reduced exports, job cuts, and declining revenue for businesses relying on the U.S. market. The 10% tariff will hit textile factories hard, as well as tea and coffee exporters who have relied on AGOA for years. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi responded with concern. Speaking at the Africa Exchange Meeting in Nairobi, he warned that Trump's policies will hurt Kenya’s economy in the long term. “Kenya will take a longer time to recover from the impact of policy shifts introduced by Trump’s administration,” Mudavadi said. He urged government agencies to act fast and cushion sectors likely to suffer under the new tariffs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sMY8Jlw3ZM