South Africa lifts suspended duties on Kenyan tea, coffee and spices
By Cynthia Lodite, June 5, 2026In a significant boost to bilateral trade, South Africa has lifted suspended duties on Kenyan tea, coffee, and spices, restoring preferential market access under the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) tariff offer.
In a statement by the State Department for the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry on Friday, June 5, 2026, the government confirmed the landmark agreement after a suspension that was imposed in November 2025.
According to the ministry, the lift on the suspended duties is expected to give market access to the products under the SACU tariff offer.
“South Africa has lifted the suspended duties on Kenyan tea, coffee, and spices that were imposed in November 2025, giving market access to the products under the SACU tariff offer,” the Ministry of Trade stated.
At the same time, the ministry highlighted that the concession is intended to strengthen trade ties between the two countries and reduce the trade imbalance that currently favours South Africa.
Kenya-South Africa trade ties
President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa witnessed the signing of six new agreements aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, trade, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The agreements, which include shipping and maritime, were signed on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa.
“With President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, I witnessed the signing of six trade agreements between Kenya and South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a clear testament to our commitment to deepening bilateral ties,” Ruto stated.
Among the key trade agreements between South Africa and Kenya are gender equality and empowerment, technical and vocational training, and arts.
In addition, both Heads of State agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in culture and heritage, sports, and recreation.
“The new agreements cover shipping and maritime, gender equality and empowerment, technical and vocational training, arts, culture and heritage, and sports and recreation,” Ruto noted.
According to President William Ruto, these agreements are aimed at elevating our partnership, building on the existing strong foundation of cooperation we have nurtured over the past three decades.
At the same time, Ruto noted that the Kenyan government is positioning itself to unlock greater trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area, expand markets, boost investment, and drive inclusive growth.