Horticulture exports earnings in H1 2021 (January to June) fell by KSh6.3 billion to only fetch KSh77.1 billion, from KSh83.4 billion recorded during the same period last year. Volumes of exports increased from 160.9 million kilograms in H1 2020 to 192 million kilograms in H1 2021.
Sector players blame the drop in earnings on immature produce that fetch very little money in the international arena.
During the period in review, fruits export earnings dipped to KSh12 billion from KSh12.5 billion, while flower export earnings fetched KSh50 billion compared to KSh58.7 billion for the same period last year.
Vegetable earnings rose to KSh15.1 billion from KSh12.2 billion.
The horticulture sector is currently ranked 3rd in foreign exchange earnings, after tourism and tea exports. The European Union still accounts for the largest portion of Kenyan horticultural exports, taking in 45% of the exports majorly comprising cut flowers, French beans, snow peas, and Asian vegetables.
The leading export destinations are United Kingdom, Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, France, Middle East and the Far East.
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