Tariff Rate Comparison
Fresh Produce| Rate Type |  Kenya |  South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base RateMost Favored Nation tariff | 5.00% | 5.00% |
| Section 122Emergency surcharge (expires ~Jul 24, 2026) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Section 232Steel & aluminum tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Section 301China-only additional tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Bilateral DealNegotiated rate replaces S122 | N/A | N/A |
| Total Effective Rate | 5.00% | 5.00% |
Rate Comparison by Product Category
| Product | Kenya | South Africa | Savings ($10K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| fresh produce | 5.0% | 5.0% | $0 |
| mining equipment | 17.0% | 17.0% | $0 |
| textiles fabrics | 23.0% | 23.0% | $0 |
| auto parts components | 28.0% | 28.0% | $0 |
| chemicals industrial compounds | 18.5% | 18.5% | $0 |
Trade Agreement Status
Kenya has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard Section 122 rate of 15% on most imports. South Africa has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard Section 122 rate of 15% on most imports. For products under Section 232 national security tariffs, the bilateral deal or Section 122 rate does not apply — S232 rates govern instead. China-origin goods additionally face Section 301 tariffs that stack on top of all other duties, making trade agreement status a defining factor in the total tariff burden.
When to Source from Each Country
Kenya offers lower tariff rates across all focus product categories in this comparison, making it the more cost-effective sourcing origin from a tariff perspective. Source from South Africa when its supplier relationships, product specialization, or geographic advantages outweigh the tariff cost differential. Always model total landed cost — including freight, insurance, MPF, and HMF fees — before finalizing sourcing decisions.
Full Landed Cost — $10,000 Shipment
Fresh ProduceKenyaFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
South AfricaFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
Savings Analysis
On a $10,000 shipment of fresh produce, importing from Kenya saves $0 in duties compared to South Africa — a 0% reduction in total import costs. Kenya incurs $528 in duties on the $10,000 shipment, while South Africa incurs $528. This difference compounds across larger order volumes and is a key factor in supplier selection decisions for importers sourcing fresh produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total effective tariff rate on fresh produce is 5% from Kenya and 5% from South Africa under current 2026 tariff policy. These rates include the MFN base rate, applicable Section 122 surcharge or bilateral deal rate, Section 232 duties for covered products, and Section 301 tariffs for Chinese goods. Use the CalcMyTariff.com calculator above to enter your specific invoice value and shipping details for a precise landed cost breakdown.
Kenya does not have a formal trade agreement with the United States. Imports from Kenya are subject to the standard Section 122 global surcharge of 15% on most goods, stacked on top of MFN base rates.
South Africa does not have a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Standard Section 122 surcharge rates apply on top of MFN base rates for imports from South Africa.
Kenya is cheaper for mining equipment with a 17% total tariff rate, compared to 17% from South Africa. On a $10,000 shipment, this 0% rate difference saves $0 in duties when sourcing from Kenya.
Section 122, enacted in February 2026 for up to 150 days, imposes a global surcharge on most US imports. Kenya is exempt from Section 122 for this product category. South Africa is exempt from Section 122 for this product category. Note that Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026 — importers should model both current and post-expiry scenarios when planning shipments.