Kenya’s textile and apparel industry faces a grave threat following the recent imposition of a 10 percent reciprocal tariff by the United States on imports from the East African Community (EAC). Principal Secretary in the State Department for Trade, Regina Ombam, has cautioned that this new trade measure could lead to the loss of more than 50,000 jobs in the sector, which has long benefited from preferential access to the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The tariff was announced on April 2, 2025, as part of a sweeping “reciprocal” trade policy introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The policy targets countries that levy duties on American goods, effectively imposing a mirror tax on their exports to the U.S. While implementation of the tariff was temporarily suspended for 90 days starting April 10, the looming July 9 deadline has raised significant alarm among Kenyan exporters and market analysts.
During a briefing to the National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration, Ombam emphasized the severe impact these tariffs would have on Kenya’s key export sectors. “Kenya’s major exports to the U.S., including apparel, coffee, tea, and flowers, will become less competitive,” she said, highlighting the potential for devastating consequences on industries that form the backbone of the country’s export economy.
In the 2022/2023 financial year, EAC exports to the U.S. totaled approximately US$1.3 billion, with textiles and apparel accounting for a significant share. The new tariffs threaten to undermine this trade volume, putting at risk not only jobs but also foreign exchange earnings vital to Kenya’s economy.
Ombam also pointed out that other critical sectors such as fish and essential oils could be adversely affected. Lawmakers have expressed deep concern and are urging the government to engage regional partners within the EAC and leverage platforms like the African Union to lobby for tariff exemptions or reconsiderations under existing trade agreements.
As the July deadline approaches, the Kenyan government faces mounting pressure to protect these vital industries and safeguard thousands of livelihoods from the ripple effects of the U.S. tariff policy.
