China-Kenya Trade Grows as Canton Fair Presents Opportunity to Bridge Deficit
China’s trade with Kenya continued its upward trajectory in December 2024, with exports reaching $904 million and imports standing at $20.5 million, resulting in a trade surplus of $884 million in favor of China.
Year-over-year, China’s exports to Kenya rose by 18.1percent, an increase of $139 million, while imports from Kenya surged by 62.8percent, growing from $12.6 million to $20.5 million.The expansion in China’s exports was driven by higher sales of raw plastic sheeting ($5.68 million, up 142percent), polyacetals ($4.62 million, up 108percent), and used clothing ($4.5 million, up 91.3percent).
Meanwhile, Kenya’s exports to China grew primarily due to rising shipments of scrap copper ($3.38 million, up 288percent), titanium ore ($1.67 million, up 35.6percent), and other nuts ($1.61 million, up 156percent).
Currently, Kenya imports $3.6 billion worth of goods from China annually, while exporting only $300 million, highlighting a significant trade imbalance.
A Strategic Opportunity for Kenyan Businesses
To address this gap, a promotional seminar on the 137th China Import and Export Fair commonly known as the Canton Fair—was held in Nairobi on Tuesday, focusing on how Kenyan businesses can leverage the global exhibition to expand their trade with China.
Participants emphasized the fair’s vital role in fostering economic cooperation, urging Kenyan traders to invest more in China.
Speaking at the event, Zhou Zhencheng, Minister Counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, highlighted the fair’s potential in reshaping trade dynamics.
“It’s an opportunity for businesses to expand into new markets, establish valuable partnerships, and enhance trade cooperation,” he said.
He further encouraged joint ventures between Kenyan and Chinese enterprises, noting that such partnerships could help boost Kenyan exports and reduce the trade deficit.
The Chinese consulate in Nairobi is coordinating Kenya’s delegation to the fair, with officials underscoring it as a key opportunity for trade and investment partnerships.
Xu Jiansheng, Operations Director of the China Foreign Trade Center Group, urged Kenyan investors to take full advantage of the exhibition, stating,”This is a chance to establish strong business connections.”
Locally, China Information & Culture Communication (CICC) Kenya Ltd, a Chinese-invested company in Nairobi, has been instrumental in connecting Kenyan businesses with Chinese trade opportunities.
Vincent Muruba, General Manager of CICC, revealed that his organization has already facilitated the participation of 60 Kenyan delegations at previous Canton Fairs.
“We are recruiting more businesses for a five-day Canton Fair experience and a three-day shopping tour in Guangzhou,” he noted.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Vice Chair, Ronald Meru, highlighted the fair’s potential to expose Kenyan businesses to value addition, manufacturing innovations, and technology transfer.
The 137th Canton Fair, China’s largest trade exhibition since 1957, is expected to host over 43,000 enterprises across various sectors, including manufacturing, health products, and fashion.
As Kenya looks to strengthen its trade footprint in China, participation in the Canton Fair presents a strategic opportunity for local businesses to enhance their market reach and competitiveness on a global scale.
By Sharon Atieno
