Fresh hope as UK suspends cut flower tariffs for East Africa

Dar es Salaam. The United Kingdom has suspended its Global Tariff on cut flowers, making exports to the British market cheaper and easier for the next two years.

Tanzania exported a total of 1,100 tonnes of flowers worth $62.31 million in 2023.

The decision, which came into effect yesterday, allows unlimited quantities of flowers to enter the UK duty-free, even if they travel through a third country like the Netherlands, a key flower auction hub. This is a significant advantage for East African growers, who often utilise these intermediary locations.

The UK government said in a statement that the decision will strengthen economic ties with East Africa while offering British consumers a wider variety of flowers at potentially lower prices.

Major flower producers in the region, namely Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, are expected to benefit from this tariff break.

“The UK’s relationship with East Africa thrives on mutually beneficial trade,” said UK Trade Commissioner for Africa John Humphrey.

“This tariff suspension will allow the flower trade to truly blossom. By working together, we can achieve great things, or in this case, grow great things!”

Kenya currently ranks as the world’s fourth-largest exporter of cut flowers, contributing 6 percent of the global market.

Ethiopia follows closely behind as the second-largest African producer, accounting for 23 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s flower exports.

The suspension of the tariff, lasting until June 30, 2026, is predicted to further strengthen the lucrative trade partnership.

East African flower businesses can look forward to a period of boosted exports and a wider audience for their vibrant blooms, while UK consumers can expect a wider selection of beautiful flowers at potentially lower prices.

Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) chief development manager Anthony Chamanga said the decision will catalyse investment inflows into Tanzania’s flower industry.

“Twenty-five percent of our cut flower exports go to the UK. It’s already a good market and the tariff suspension presents us with an opportunity to export even more,” he said.

“This new access to a larger, tariff-free market in the UK is expected to encourage both existing businesses and new entrants to expand operations and enhance the industry’s export capacity.”

Mr Chamanga added that the UK initiative is also poised to have a transformative impact on employment in the Tanzanian flower industry.

The sub-sector, which employs around 7,000 people, is likely to experience significant growth in employment, thanks to the direct UK market access.

“The duty-free access to the UK market means that Tanzanian flower producers can increase production without the concern of additional export costs, making it a more attractive investment for both local and international investors,” Mr Chamanga said.

Taha sees the creation of numerous jobs across the entire supply chain, from farming and harvesting to packaging and distribution, thereby improving the livelihoods of many Tanzanians.

“Beyond economic benefits, this policy shift opens up wider implications for sustainable development and international trade relationships. By facilitating easier market access, the UK is not only contributing to the economic development of exporting countries like Tanzania, but also promoting sustainable agricultural practices by potentially increasing demand for responsibly grown and sourced flowers,” Mr Chamanga said.