The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China has cut duty levied on avocado exports from 30 percent to seven percent aimed at enhancing avocado exports to China.
“The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China announced adjustments to tariff policy, under which temporary import tariffs will be levied on over 850 items starting Jan.1, 2020, including a plan to lower the tariff for frozen avocados from 30% to 7%(HS code 08119090),” Embassy of China in Kenya announced.
@Trade_Kenya is delighted with this news. We shall work with key stakeholders to ensure fresh avocados are exported to China soon. We are also working with @kilimoKE & @KephisKe to ensure full implementation of SPS agreement and hence more agricultural export products to China
— Dr Chris Kiptoo, CBS (@Kiptoock) December 27, 2019
In April 2019, Kenya signed a deal to export avocados to China, making Kenya the only African nation to sell the fruit to the Chinese market.
In the deal, the Chinese market will absorb over 40% of Kenya’s avocado produce, making it one of the largest importers of the fruit.
Initially, traders were required to freeze the fruits to minus 30 degrees Celsius to get rid of the pests and minus 18 degrees for transit.
As a result, this move was termed as a strict requirement that will prevent them from directly exporting the produce.
Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said: “We shall work with key stakeholders to ensure fresh avocados are exported to China soon. We are also working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure full implementation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures agreement and hence more agricultural export products to China.”
According to Business Daily, the PS said the two parties are still negotiating on issues of stringent standards.
