Kenya and Iran have taken a big step toward restoring their tea trade by agreeing to set up a joint committee. This committee will work to remove trade obstacles within 60 days, aiming to lift the ban on Kenyan tea exports to Iran.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development shared the news on their official Twitter account on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

“Kenya and Iran have agreed to establish a joint committee tasked with eradicating trade obstacles within 60 days, paving the way for the lifting of the ban on Kenyan tea exports to Iran,” they stated.

This breakthrough came during the 7th Session of the Kenya–Iran Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which took place in Nairobi. The session was co-chaired by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, and Gholamreza Nouri Ghezalcheh, the Minister of Agricultural Jihad of Iran.

Criminal trade malpractice

The ban on Kenyan tea exports to Iran followed a criminal trade malpractice involving a Kenyan company. Investigations revealed the firm imported low-grade tea, blended it, and re-exported it as high-grade Kenyan tea. This dishonest practice caused a diplomatic dispute and led to the ban.

“The move comes in the wake of a criminal trade malpractice involving a Kenyan company, which has since been deregistered by the Tea Board of Kenya and is set to face prosecution,” the Ministry explained.

They added:

“Investigations revealed that the firm imported low-grade tea, blended it, and re-exported it to Iran as high-grade Kenyan tea, triggering a diplomatic dispute and the subsequent ban.”

The Kenyan government has acted swiftly to deregister the company and ensure it faces prosecution. The joint committee will work closely to resolve all trade issues and restore confidence in Kenyan tea quality. Kenya values its position as one of the world’s top tea producers, and Iran remains an important market.

Iran ranks among the top ten importers of Kenyan tea. In 2024, data shows that Iran imported 13 million kilograms of Kenyan tea valued at Ksh4.26 billion. Pakistan remained the leading importer, accounting for 34.7 per cent of total export volumes, worth Ksh70 billion.