Kenya’s avocado exports to China have dropped dramatically by 80% this year, as exporters shift their focus to more lucrative markets in Europe and North America.
Chinese customs data reveals that avocado imports from Kenya fell to just 742,934 kilograms in the first seven months of this year, a significant decline from 3,674,463 kilograms during the same period last year. Consequently, earnings from the Chinese market plummeted to $1,232,149, down from $6,830,140 in the previous year.
Although China represents a small segment of Kenya’s avocado market, exporters had hoped to leverage its vast population of over 1.4 billion to boost sales and reduce dependence on the European Union. Kenya began exporting avocados to China in August 2022, following a long wait for clearance that initially limited shipments to frozen fruits only.
Kakuzi Plc, a major avocado exporter listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, noted that a decrease in volumes from South American competitors like Peru and Mexico has created opportunities for Kenyan avocados.
Kakuzi Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a remarked, “While China, India, and the Middle East present long-term growth potential, they currently lack the scale to replace Europe. However, exploring these markets could offer a buffer against future market disruptions.”
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