Kenyan avocado farmers have received a significant boost as India has opened its market to their produce. This milestone, disclosed on Tuesday, marks a key outcome of the virtual 10th Technical Level Joint Trade Committee meeting between the two nations. The decision is a promising step forward, encouraging higher-level discussions aimed at removing non-tariff barriers, according to Kenya’s Ministry of Trade.
Welcoming Kenyan avocados aligns with India’s broader strategy to deepen engagement across multiple sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology transfers. Already a significant market for Kenyan tea, coffee, and horticultural products, India’s vast population of over one billion people presents substantial opportunities for expanded agricultural exports.
Avocado farming has become a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, with avocados accounting for 17% of the nation’s total horticultural exports in 2023. This development follows impressive growth, as Kenyan avocado exports increased by 19.6% in volume from 2022 to 2023, reaching 468,438 tonnes, according to USAID’s Strategic Partnership Program Directorate. With access to the Indian market, Kenya aims to further boost this sector, adding to its extensive global export network spanning over 152 destinations.
The economic relationship between Kenya and India remains strong. India is currently Kenya’s sixth-largest trading partner, supplying pharmaceuticals, machinery, and vehicles. The opening of India’s market to Kenyan avocados symbolizes an ever-growing trade partnership poised to benefit both countries.