UK Suspends Tariffs on East African Flower Exports

The United Kingdom has announced temporary suspension of tariffs on cut flowers imported from East Africa.

The move, aimed at fostering stronger trade ties and benefiting consumers, takes effect April 11, and will last for two years.

The intervention is part of the UK’s decision to expand traded ties with East Africa.

Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey, underscored the mutual benefits of the decision, highlighting its potential to catalyze trade growth.

“This additional flower power will allow trade to bloom. We go far when we go together… or in this case, we grow far when we grow together," he said.

The decision to remove tariffs on cut flowers is expected to have a significant impact on East African flower growers, particularly in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.

These nations have long been major players in the global flower market, with Kenya ranked as the fourth-largest exporter of cut flowers worldwide in 2022.

The suspension of tariffs is expected to streamline trade processes and reduce costs for flower growers in East Africa.

Additionally, UK consumers are likely to benefit from increased access to a wider variety of flowers at potentially lower prices.

In 2023, the value of trade in cut flowers between the UK and East African nations was substantial, with Ethiopia leading at £12.6 million, followed by Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda contributing £727,000, £839,000, and £1.1 million, respectively.

This decision reflects the UK's commitment to expanding trade relations with East Africa and fostering economic growth in the region.

It is anticipated that the temporary suspension of tariffs will have a positive impact on both the East African flower industry and the UK market, paving the way for continued collaboration and prosperity in the years to come.