Uganda receives free access to the UK for exporting flowers.

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 effective April.11, 2024.

Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania will also profit from the global suspension of the 8% duty on cut flowers till June 30, 2026.

Due to this recent development, Uganda will be able to export an unlimited amount of flowers into the UK, especially if they pass through a third country or the flower auctions in the Netherlands, where an 8% UKGT was previously applicable.

Through increased trade, the UK and the region’s economic ties will be further strengthened. Consumers in the UK may also benefit greatly in terms of cost, availability, and diversity.

John Humphrey, the UK’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, declared: “This extra flower power will allow trade to bloom.” We grow far when we grow together, or, as the saying goes, “we go far when we go together,” which further demonstrates the UK’s dedication to boosting trade in East Africa.

Trade in cut flowers from Uganda was valued at £1.1 million in the UK in 2023, compared to £727,000 in Rwanda, £839,000 from Tanzania, and £12.6 million from Ethiopia.

With 6% of the world’s cut flower exports, Kenya was ranked as the fourth-largest exporter of flowers in 2022.

Ethiopia accounts for 23 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s exports and is the continent’s second-largest producer of cut flowers.

Uganda’s total export values to the UK have been declining over the past ten years, with the majority of its agricultural products going from US$ £42.3 million in 2011 to £13.6 million in 2023.

The Floriculture sector is one of Uganda’s top ten foreign exchange earners contributing close to $ 30 million in export revenue. Uganda’s flowers are grown almost exclusively for the export market, with 98% of production exported to the Netherlands.