Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi — emerged as leaders in global TBT notifications in 2024, WTO data shows. Consequently, the rise signals more transparency as countries work to cut trade costs and stabilize markets.
In simple terms, TBTs are rules and standards that can block trade if too restrictive or unfairly applied. According to WTO records, members filed 4,334 TBT notifications in 2024, up from 4,098 in 2023. Moreover, reporting countries rose from 90 to 91.
Notably, Uganda topped the list, followed by the US, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, Burundi, Brazil, China, and Israel. Meanwhile, Kenya’s notifications came through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs). They included rules on pumpkin seeds and fish products to protect health and prevent deceptive practices.
For instance, on January 26, 2024, Kenya submitted a draft standard for pumpkin seeds. It set rules for testing raw and roasted seeds for food use. Additionally, EAC states filed notifications on fish protein, frozen lobster tails, fish flour, and fish liver.
However, Kenya now faces pressure from trade partners, especially the US, to address tariffs and TBTs that hurt trade. Specifically, the US criticized Kenya’s 35 percent tariff on second-hand clothes, corruption, and temporary food tax waivers.
As a result, Donald Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on Kenyan goods. Furthermore, the US Trade Representative said Kenya’s EAC-based tariff system harms American exporters.
In fact, some products face higher taxes: 50 percent on textiles, 60 percent on milk, 75 percent on rice flour, and 100 percent on sugar. Ultimately, the US warned that these policies make trade uncompetitive and strain relations.
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