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Kenya, Egypt Extend Custom Duty Exemption for 1 Year to Bolster Trade

BY Soko Directory Team · July 8, 2021 10:07 am

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Kenya has obtained the approval of the EAC to extend customs exemptions granted to member states of COMESA for one year.

The Kenyan market will continue enjoying custom duty exemption from Egypt for another year beginning this July.

According to an announcement made by Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Nevine Gamea, the exemption came within the framework of the exception granted by the East African Union (EAC) to the states of Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) grouping also granted the rest of its member states a comprehensive customs exemption.

Gamea noted that the Egyptian commercial office in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, received an official letter from the Kenya Revenue Authority stating that Kenya had obtained the approval of the EAC to extend customs exemptions granted to member states of COMESA for one year.

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“This procedure contributes to the continuation of the movement of Egyptian exports to the Kenyan market, especially as it is one of the most important receiving markets for Egyptian exports in the COMESA countries and the East African region,” stated Ahmed Maghawry, Head of Commercial Representation for Egypt.

The total Egyptian exports to the Kenyan market in 2020 averaged 448.5 million dollars, with an increase of 5.3 percent over 2019.

Maghawry noted that the most important items of Egyptian exports to Kenya include sugar, detergents, cement, iron and steel, machinery, equipment, and electrical appliances.

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He also confirmed that the Egyptian Commercial Office in Kenya is in constant contact with the concerned Kenyan authorities to follow up on the position of exempting Egyptian exports exported to the Kenyan market from customs duties.

The previous exemption granted to Egypt expired on June 30.

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