American meat exporters now want President Donald Trump's administration to compel Kenya to remove what it describes as harsh trade barriers that they say limit their international business activities.

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The submission was made on Wednesday, June 10, to the U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Goettman during the review of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

In their letter, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) listed Kenya among African countries whose trade policies allegedly hinder American exports despite benefiting from access to the U.S. market.

According to the Federation, while Kenya remains technically open to U.S. red meat imports, exports to Kenya remain minimal due to several non-tariff barriers .

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The organisation cited Kenya’s import licensing system, restrictions on the transhipment of products, and what it termed a lack of clarity on veterinary medicine residue and microbiological standards.

"Non-tariff barriers include Kenya's burdensome import license system, restrictions on the transhipment of products, a lack of clarity on import veterinary medicine residue and microbiological standards," the Federation argued.

The exporters further claimed that Kenya effectively blocks U.S. pork imports through a requirement for a Letter of Non-Compete, which requires approval from domestic industry players before each shipment of imported pork can enter the country.

The Federation also criticised Kenya’s import duties on beef and pork products, arguing that the tariffs make it difficult for American meat exporters to compete in the Kenyan market.

"Potential for U.S. pork exports to Kenya exists, particularly for hearts and livers. Unfortunately, Kenya effectively bans U.S. pork by maintaining a requirement for a Letter of Non-Compete," USMEF claimed.

"Kenya's import duties on beef and pork products are also trade-prohibitive and must be addressed if U.S. red meat is to have meaningful opportunities in the market," it added.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke