NEWS & POLITICS
Uganda and Kenya counter U.S. tariffs with bold regional trade pact
While US President Donald Trump imposes broad tariffs on African imports—a flat 10% levy on most goods and up to 50% for select countries—Uganda and Kenya are pursuing regional trade strategies emphasizing cooperation and diversification.
Enos Denhere
According to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Uganda and Kenya have agreed to eliminate all tariff and non-tariff barriers that have long hampered trade between the two countries.
The decision followed a bilateral meeting held at Mbale Resort Hotel on August 29–30, between Uganda's State Minister for Trade, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, and Kenya's Trade Minister, H. Lee Kinyanjui.
Consequently, goods exchanged between the two nations will be treated as duty-free transfers, not imports. They also committed to eliminating discriminatory excise duties and adhering fully to their trade obligations under the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and its protocols.
The ministers further resolved to address congestion challenges at key border points, including Malaba, Busia, Suam and Lwakhakha. Border agencies were tasked with limiting truck queues to no more than four kilometers, while the limit at Busia was 500 meters.
In July 2025, the Trump administration implemented retaliatory tariffs on several countries, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Lesotho bearing the brunt of these measures. While Kenya and Uganda avoided the most severe tariffs, key exports such as Kenyan tea and flowers, as well as Ugandan coffee, remained subject to the regular 10% duty.
