USTR Releases Kenya Objectives and ITC Seeks Comment on Eliminating Tariffs on Kenyan Imports

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said its negotiators will seek to make things easier for express shippers in Kenya, will seek to get Kenya to agree to basing its phytosanitary rules on science, and “secure comprehensive duty-free market access for U.S. industrial goods” as it works towards a free-trade agreement with that country.

The negotiating objectives, published May 22, were responsive to soybean farmers' complaints that their exports ceased after Kenya banned genetically modified organism (GMO) crops. They also incorporated several specific requests from the Express Association of America's comments (see 2004210049). USTR said it will ask Kenya to “provide for streamlined and expedited customs treatment for express delivery shipments, including for shipments above any de minimis threshold,” and will seek “a more reciprocal de minimis shipment level.” The trade group had said that Kenya lowered its de minimis threshold from $50 to $20 recently. USTR also said it will try to “ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, shipments are released immediately after determining compliance with applicable laws and regulations and provide for new disciplines on timing of release, automation, and use of guarantees.” U.S. negotiators will ask Kenya to allow electronic signatures and electronic customs forms to facilitate trade.

The document said: “Our vision is to conclude an agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional agreements in Africa, leading to a network of agreements that contribute to Africa’s regional integration objectives.”

The International Trade Commission is now seeking input for the economic effect of eliminating tariffs on Kenyan imports that currently face duties. It said it will hold a virtual meeting July 7, and wants witnesses to notify the agency by June 10 of their interest in appearing. ITC confidential analysis in report form will be submitted to USTR by Sept. 16.