Kenya Hit by Trump’s 25% Iran Trade Tariff
Kenya has suffered a major economic setback after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new trade tariffs.
Moreover, Trump declared a 25 per cent tariff on countries trading with Iran, effective immediately.
Trump’s Directive Targets Iran Trade Partners
On January 12, Trump confirmed the tariff on Truth Social, citing Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters.
Additionally, he warned that any nation trading with Iran would face a 25 per cent tariff on U.S. business.
Iran’s main partners include China, Turkey, UAE, and Iraq, but Kenya also maintains strong trade ties with Iran.
Kenya’s Tea Exports at Risk
Iran has been a major importer of Kenyan tea, with volumes rising significantly between 2020 and 2024.
Furthermore, Kenya exported 13 million tons of tea to Iran in 2024, highlighting deep trade cooperation.
However, tea exports faced setbacks in 2025 after Iran temporarily banned imports over quality concerns.
Kenya later held talks with Iran to resolve trade issues and strengthen cooperation in agriculture and technology.
Future of Kenya–Iran Relations
In August 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led discussions during the 7th Joint Commission for Cooperation.
Moreover, both nations pledged closer ties in agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.
A Kenya–Iran business forum encouraged Iranian firms to use Kenya as an East African trade hub.
Nonetheless, Trump’s directive now threatens Kenya’s economic gains, risking tariffs due to its ties with Iran.
Finally, the U.S. hinted at possible military action against Iran, escalating global trade and political tensions.
