The move aims to increase trade and further strengthen the economic relationship between the UK and the region
The UK government has suspended the global tariff for cut flowers to increase trade and provide better value for consumers within the East African region.
Making the announcement, UK Trade Commissioner for Africa His Majesty John Humphrey said the removal of export tariffs is aimed at making trade with the UK easier and cheaper for growers in East Africa and beyond.
This means that unlimited quantities of flowers can now be exported to the UK at zero percent tariff, even if they transit via a third country.
This is particularly important for East African flower growers who transport their blooms via third-countries or auction houses before they arrive in the UK.
“The move aims to increase trade and further strengthen the economic relationship between the UK and the East African region. UK consumers could win big too on price, seasonality and variety,” said His Majesty Humphrey.
This even as he noted that the UK’s relationship with East Africa is rooted in mutually beneficial trade.
The suspension of the eight percent duty for cut flowers applies across the world but will be a big win for major flower growing regions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The duty suspension will remain in place for two years from April 11, 2024 to June 30, 2026.
“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, further reinforcing the UK’s commitment to the expansion of trade in East Africa.”
In 2022, Kenya was ranked as the fourth biggest exporter of cut-flowers in the world, with six percent of global cut-flower exports.
Ethiopia is the second largest cut flower producer in Africa, making up 23 percent of Sub-Saharan African exports.
In 2023, the value of trade in cut flowers between the UK and Ethiopia was valued at £12.6 million, Rwanda at £727,000, £839,000 from Tanzania, and £1.1m from Uganda.