Kenya’s export of duty-free goods to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) increased by 20% in 2021, surpassing KSh. 50 billion.

Exports under AGOA hit KSh 50 billion in 2021. Photo courtesy of Business Daily.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the value increased by 20%, marking one of the largest increases in seven years. The value of the items, primarily textiles, rose from KSh. 42.2 billion in 2020 to KSh. 50.6 billion in 2021.

Textile and apparel products, which have dominated exports under AGOA since its inception in 2000, continue to be the most important commodities in Kenya-US trade.

The apparel and textile sector, which is at the heart of the Government’s industrialization agenda has continued to create employment opportunities over the years. 

Kenya successfully pushed for a 10-year extension of AGOA until 2025, based on increased trade volumes and product diversity.

AGOA enables Kenya to export over 6,000 product lines at preferential terms, exempting them from paying tax.