🇰🇪 Kenya vs 🇧🇷 Brazil Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇰🇪

Kenya

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$1.5B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇧🇷

Brazil

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$92B

Base Effective Rate10%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

Coffee

🇰🇪 Kenya Advantages

+Unique export categories: Tea, Cut flowers, Textiles

🇧🇷 Brazil Advantages

+Higher US trade volume ($92B vs $1.5B)
+Unique export categories: Crude oil, Iron ore, Soybeans

Kenya and Brazil are both significant US trading partners, but their tariff profiles differ in important ways that affect import costs.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Coffee to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Kenya accounts for approximately $1.5B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to Brazil's $92B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Kenya's advantages include: Unique export categories: Tea, Cut flowers, Textiles. Brazil's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($92B vs $1.5B); Unique export categories: Crude oil, Iron ore, Soybeans.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Kenya and Brazil depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — Kenya or Brazil?

Both countries face the same base Section 122 tariff of 10%. The difference comes from product-specific duties, Section 301 (China only), and Section 232 (metals).

Should I switch sourcing from Kenya to Brazil?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. With equivalent base rates, focus on non-tariff factors.

Do both Kenya and Brazil face the same Section 122 tariff?

Yes, both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026. This flat rate replaced the variable IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. It expires approximately July 24, 2026.

What products overlap between Kenya and Brazil exports to the US?

Both countries export Coffee to the US. Kenya has total bilateral trade of ~$1.5B while Brazil has ~$92B.