UK Flower Tariff Removal Will Increase Ethiopia’s Horticulture Export: Association

Addis Ababa, April 11/2024 (ENA)  The UK's removal of the 8 percent tariff on cut flowers for two years effective today will increase Ethiopia's flower export, Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association Executive Director, Tewodros Zewdie told ENA. 

The UK's tariff on cut flowers will be suspended for two years from 11 April 2024 to 30 June 2026, allowing the entry of unlimited quantities of flowers at zero percent tariff, even if they transit via a third country. 

Tewodros said the move will boost Ethiopia’s flower export.

The decision will increase the competition of flower producers in Ethiopia in delivering their products to their customers in UK, he stated.  

For him, the removal of the tariff is a great opportunity and stressed the need to strive for the maximum benefit.

The support to the sector, including land supply and administrative assistance, should be improved to increase investment in the horticulture sector, he urged.    

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

In 2023, the value of trade in cut flowers between the UK from Ethiopia was valued at 12.6 million Euros.

The removal of  8 percent duty for cut flowers is a big win for major flower growing countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.