Uganda cut flower exports now have access to the United Kingdom market tariff-free following the latter’s decision to suspend the Global Tariff (UKGT) on the commodity for two years.

The suspension of the 8% duty on cut flowers across the world will also benefit Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania till June 30, 2026.

This new development means that Uganda’s unlimited quantities of flowers will enter the UK, particularly if they transit through a third country or the flower auctions in the Netherlands – where previously an 8% UKGT would apply.

The move aims to increase trade and further strengthen the economic relationship between the UK and the region. UK consumers could win big too – on price, seasonality, and variety.

UK’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey said “This additional flower power will allow trade to bloom. We go far when we go together… or in this case, we grow far when we grow together, further reinforcing the UK’s commitment to the expansion of trade in East Africa.”

In 2023, the value of trade in cut flowers between the UK from Uganda was valued at £1.1m, Rwanda at £727,000, £839,000 from Tanzania and £12.6m from Ethiopia.

Kenya was ranked as the fourth biggest exporter of cut flowers in the world in 2022, with 6% of global cut-flower exports.

Ethiopia is the second largest cut flower producer in Africa, making up 23% of Sub-Saharan African exports.

Over the last decade, Uganda’s total export values to the UK have been on a declining trend from US$ £42.3m in 2011 to £13.6m in 2023, most agricultural products.