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What you need to know:
Dar es Salaam. The United Kingdom has suspended its Global Tariff on cut flowers, making exports to the British market cheaper and easier for the next two years.
The UK is already a significant market for East African flowers, with trade valued at £12.6 million from Ethiopia, £727,000 from Rwanda, £839,000 from Tanzania, and £1.1 million from Uganda in 2023 alone.
This move, effective today, April 11, 2024, allows unlimited quantities of flowers to enter the UK duty-free, even if they travel through a third country like the Netherlands, a key flower auction hub. This is a significant advantage for East African growers, who often utilize these intermediary locations.The UK government in a statement said the decision will strengthen economic ties with East Africa while offering British consumers a wider variety of flowers at potentially lower prices.
Major flower producers in the region, include Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, are all expected to benefit from this tariff break.
"The UK's relationship with East Africa thrives on mutually beneficial trade," said Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey.
"This tariff suspension will allow the flower trade to truly blossom. By working together, we can achieve great things, or in this case, grow great things!"
Kenya currently ranks as the world's fourth-largest exporter of cut flowers, contributing 6 percent of the global market.
Ethiopia follows closely behind as the second-largest African producer, accounting for 23 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa's flower exports.
The suspension of the tariff, lasting until June 30, 2026, is predicted to further strengthen the lucrative trade partnership.
East African flower businesses can look forward to a period of boosted exports and a wider audience for their vibrant blooms, while UK consumers can expect a wider selection of beautiful flowers at potentially lower prices.
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