The UK has removed export tariffs for cut flowers for two years, with the aim of making trade with the UK easier and cheaper for growers in East Africa and beyond.
- •Unlimited quantities of flowers can now be exported to the UK at 0% tariff, even if they transit via a third country.
- •This is particularly important for East African flower growers who transport their blooms via third-countries or auction houses before they arrive in the UK.
- •UK consumers could win big too – on price, seasonality and variety.
The suspension of 8 per cent duty for cut flowers applies across the world but will be a big win for major flower growing regions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The duty suspension will remain in place for two years, from 11 April 2024 to 30 June 2026, the UK government said in a press statement on Thursday.
“The UK’s relationship with East Africa is rooted in mutually beneficial trade. This additional flower power will allow trade to bloom,” Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey said.
In 2022, Kenya was ranked as the fourth biggest exporter of cut-flowers in the world, with 6 per cent of global cut-flower exports. Ethiopia is the second largest cut flower producer in Africa, making up 23 per cent of Sub-Saharan African exports.
In 2023, the value of trade in cut flowers between the UK from Ethiopia was valued at £12.6m, Rwanda at £727,000, £839,000 from Tanzania, and £1.1m from Uganda.
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