Kenya: Fish Imports From China Drop By Half to U.S.$9 Million

Published 2020년 11월 16일

Tridge summary

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Kenya's fish market, with a notable decrease in fish imports from China. Import data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows a 50% drop in China's fish exports to Kenya, from Sh2.03 billion in 2019 to Sh993.62 million in the first nine months of 2020. This reduction has led to a shift in balance in fish trade, as Kenya's imports primarily consisted of frozen tilapia and mackerel. Despite the decline in Chinese imports, they still accounted for nearly 90% of Kenya's fish imports. The pandemic has also affected Kenya's fish exports, with Uganda being the primary buyer. Domestic demand has increased, particularly among Lake Victoria fishermen, who are benefiting from the reduced competition and increased demand. The Kenyan government is investing Sh14 billion to support fish farmers to boost production and increase per capita fish consumption.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The Covid-19 pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon after fish imports from China dropped to Sh993.62 million in the last nine months of the year, compared to the Sh2.03 billion in 2019. Data on fish trade from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) obtained by the Nation shows that China's fish exports to Kenya dropped by almost 50 per cent as a result of the global supply chain disruption occasioned by the pandemic. In the seven months to September, Kenya imported 8,900 tonnes of fresh chilled fish worth Sh993.62 million from Beijing, a drop from 18, 074 tonnes worth Sh2.02 billion in 2019. This is the second time Chinese fish imports have dropped in the last eight years, having previously recorded near double digit growth, adding impetus to concerns that the Asian nation is flooding the local market with sea food to the detriment of local fishermen. In 2018, Kenya bought Sh2.32 billion worth of frozen fish from China. Frozen tilapia Ironically, China ...

Source: All Africa