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<p>Ratification of either an interim or comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(EPA) would mean the European Commission undertakes procedures allowing Kenya to receive
duty-free, quota-free access on its exports to the EU. Non-ratification of an EPA
would mean that some Kenyan products would face tariffs when exported to the EU from
1 October 2014. Between 2008 and 2012, Kenyan exports to the UK had an average annual
value of $520 million. Without an EPA, BIS officials have estimated that $300 million
of Kenyan exports would remain duty-free. $220 million of Kenyan exports to the UK
would face tariffs costing around $14 million per annum. These new charges would mostly
affect exports of vegetables and cut flowers.</p><p>Negotiations of EPAs have been
ongoing for the previous twelve years. UK Ministers are working closely with partners
in Europe and East Africa to encourage urgent ratification of a development friendly
agreement.</p>
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