Ruto presses Japan to ease barriers on Kenyan exports, champions balanced trade

Prime Minister Ishiba pledged to review the market access concerns raised by President Ruto, adding that Tokyo would also study the non-tariff barriers highlighted. - Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today | Capitalfm.co.ke..

✨ Key Highlights

President William Ruto urged Japan to ease trade barriers for Kenyan exports during high-level engagements in Yokohama ahead of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). He highlighted the significant trade imbalance and sought greater market access for Kenyan agricultural products.

Trade between Kenya and Japan grew by 33 percent in 2024, but remains heavily skewed with Japan's exports at $1 billion versus Kenya's at $70 million.
President Ruto met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who pledged to review market access concerns and non-tariff barriers.
Kenya is pursuing a Samurai Bond in Japan's financial markets and discussing opportunities in e-mobility with Toyota Corporation.