Comesa pushes for more intra-Africa trade as Trump tariffs bite

While most countries have been slapped with a 10% rate on their exports to US, some have been hit with tariffs as high a 50%.

Kenya’s textile and apparel industry is expected to take the biggest hit. Other exports to be affected include macadamia, coffee, black tea and organic coffee. 

Director for Trade and Customs, Christopher Onyango, said countries must speed up implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) aimed at simplifying customs procedures and reducing trade barriers.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) wants member states, and by extension the continent, to increase intra-Africa trade to cushion the region from the Trump tariffs.

By Martin Mwita.

Full story at The Star