Sudan lifts ban on Kenyan tea imports, reopening a market that bought about 35 million kilogrammes a year, valued at about US$70 million (Sh9 billion).
Kenyan exporters and the smallholder farmers who supply them can now seek orders from Sudan again.
Sudan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade issued the order on November 8, 2026. Minister Mahasin Ali Yaqoub signed it. Titled Lifting of the Ban on Tea Imports from Kenya, it revokes the restriction and directs all relevant authorities to implement the decision. It took effect on signing.
Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and Cabinet approved the lifting
The Sovereignty Council approved the move in a letter dated November 2, 2026. A Cabinet communication followed on November 5, 2026.
A government official said a mission to Sudan produced the decision and described it as “an economic-intelligence-led diplomacy”. The text does not name the official.
The order sets no volume, value or shipment date
The order does not state how much tea Sudan will import, what the trade will be worth or when shipments resume. It gives authorities the legal clearance to facilitate imports.
Earnings for tea growing communities, including smallholder farmers, will depend on the volume that resumes.
The ban left 207 containers at Mombasa
Sudan imposed the ban in March 2025 after relations between the two countries deteriorated. Tea worth more than US$24 million (Sh3.1 billion) sat in transit or awaiting shipment when Sudan halted imports. The halt left 207 forty foot containers at the Port of Mombasa, which cost traders and exporters money.
Khusoko reported the ban in March 2025. Sudan’s decision removes an official barrier to Kenyan exporters, who can now rebuild commercial links in a market that has bought their tea before.
