Kenya’s AFA announces resumption of Hass avocado exports in March 2025

KENYA – The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), a regulator of Kenya’s agriculture sector, has confirmed that Kenyan Hass avocado exports will resume on March 17, 2025.

This decision follows an assessment that found the fruit had reached the required maturity levels for export.

AFA Director-General Bruno Linyiru stated, “The harvesting of avocado (Hass variety) for exports by sea shipment will come into force from 17th March 2025.

This follows the earlier resumption of exports for Fuerte and Pinkerton varieties on February 7, 2025, after a similar review.

To ensure that only mature avocados are exported, AFA has put in place strict guidelines for exporters. All shipments must undergo mandatory inspections at packhouses, with applications for approval required at least three days before departure.

Exporters must also submit a list of their Horticulture Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA) by March 15, 2025. Only agents with valid registration certificates will be allowed to handle shipments.

Additionally, the authority has warned that failure to comply with transport regulations—such as moving avocados in open vehicles or without proper crates—will attract penalties.

Similar rules will apply to avocados from other East African Community (EAC) member states, including the requirement for import documentation before entry into Kenya.

Concerns over global market disruptions

While Kenya prepares to resume exports, the local industry is closely monitoring changes in the global avocado trade. A recent decision by the United States to impose a 25% tax on Mexican avocado imports, effective March 4, 2025, has raised concerns about potential market shifts.

Mexico is the world’s top avocado exporter, with 80% of its shipments going to the U.S. Industry experts warn that the new tax could push Mexico to redirect nearly half of its exports to Europe, Kenya’s main market.

“The consequences are clear: Kenyan producers could be forced to sell at a loss, turn to less lucrative markets with greater logistical challenges, or face the risk of unsold and perishable inventory,” the Kenya Avocado Exporters Association stated in an analysis published on March 5.

“In addition, unlike Peruvian exports that usually leave the European market in October, Mexico’s continued supply means that there will be no respite during the peak shopping season in Europe.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Kenya had projected an 11% increase in avocado export revenue in 2025, aiming to reach US$175 million. However, a flood of Mexican avocados in the European market could disrupt these expectations.

The potential price drop could also impact other African exporters such as South Africa and Morocco, which rely on the European market. Africa is currently the third-largest avocado-exporting region after Central and South America.

Kenyan avocado exporters now face the challenge of navigating these market shifts while ensuring they meet international standards.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.