Effective Thursday, Kenyan cut flower exports will enter the United Kingdom tariff-free.

This two-year suspension, lasting until June 30th, 2026, signifies a significant development in the UK-East Africa trade relationship.

The move, announced by the British High Commission, aims to bolster economic ties between the UK and the region.

"The UK's relationship with East Africa is rooted in mutually beneficial trade," stated John Humphrey, the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa.

"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."

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The usual 8 per cent tariff suspension, particularly beneficial for major flower-growing nations like Kenya (ranked fourth globally) and Ethiopia (Africa's second-largest producer), is expected to stimulate trade.

Kenya has already seen success through the existing UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership and Economic Partnership Agreement, saving Kenyan exporters over Sh1.5 billion (£10 million) annually in duties on products such as green beans and cut flowers.

The duty-free access is anticipated to not only increase trade volume but also enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan flowers in the UK market.

This could potentially translate to a wider variety and potentially more affordable flowers for British consumers.