China-Kenya Trade Grows 11.9% in Q1 2025

Kenya, China's comprehensive strategic partner in Africa and a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, continues to deepen its trade ties with China. Over more than six decades of diplomatic relations, the two countries have achieved fruitful results in bilateral trade. China is now Kenya's largest trading partner and its top source of imports, while Kenya is China's biggest trading partner in East Africa.

According to China Customs, trade between China and Kenya reached RMB 16.13 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 11.9% year-on-year-marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth and setting a new record high for Q1 trade volume. Exports rose by 11.8% and imports by 13.2%.

China continues to supply Kenya with high-quality and practical products that support industrial growth and improve livelihoods. In Q1, China's exports of intermediate goods, consumer goods, and capital goods to Kenya grew by 11.4%, 10.1%, and 10.4% respectively. From electronic components and home appliances to smartphones and advanced equipment, "Made in China" products are increasingly diversifying the Kenyan market.

Kenya is Africa's largest exporter of avocados, renowned for their rich oil content and creamy texture. Since fresh Kenyan avocados gained market access to China in August 2022, China has imported a total of 6,892.5 tons, valued at RMB 90 million, making Kenya China's third-largest source of fresh avocados. In Q1 2025, imports of Kenyan tea and crabs also surged by 175.2% and 30.7%, respectively.

Under the Belt and Road framework, China has actively participated in major infrastructure projects across Kenya, achieving notable progress in road and bridge construction. In Q1 2025, Chinese exports of construction machinery to Kenya-such as bulldozers, excavators, and mobile cranes-soared by 112.4%, 190.6%, and 710%, respectively, contributing to the continued development of Kenya's infrastructure.

China and Kenya's friendship dates back to the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Today, bilateral economic and trade cooperation is entering a new phase of growth, with strong momentum and expanding opportunities.