U.S. and Kenya Advance Trade Talks: Focus on Agriculture, Regulations, and Pork Market Access

Title: U.S. and Kenya Advance Trade Talks: Focus on Agriculture, Regulations, and Pork Market Access

In a significant development, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently concluded the third round of negotiations with Kenya under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The talks, held from Jan. 29-31, covered a range of crucial issues, including agriculture, anti-corruption measures, domestic regulation of services, digital trade, environmental and climate considerations, good regulatory practices, standards collaboration, trade facilitation, and customs procedures.

The U.S. delegation, led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Constance Hamilton, concentrated on key areas such as agriculture, good regulatory practices, and workers’ rights and protections during this round.

Notably, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) sees Kenya as a potential significant export market for U.S. pork. With a population of approximately 50 million and a growing middle class, Kenya presents an opportunity for U.S. pork producers. NPPC is supportive of the ongoing talks, hoping to pave the way for increased access to Kenya’s pork market.

In response to the STIP announcement in July 2022, NPPC has consistently urged U.S. trade negotiators to advocate for the removal of unjustified restrictions on U.S. pork imports to Kenya. These restrictions include stringent testing and inspection requirements, non-science-based sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, and the failure to acknowledge the equivalence of U.S. pork production practices and the U.S. food safety inspection and approval system for pork-related facilities.