But after four years of haggling, only Kenya and Rwanda have signed the deal. RELUCTANTBut while Kenya and Rwanda signed on the agreement, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi have been reluctant to do so. EAC countries had jointly negotiated the EPAs until 2014 but some countries cited provisions which they argued could injure their local industries. In 2017, EU sold to EAC goods worth €3.6 billion (Sh417 billion) but bought goods worth €2.4 billion (Sh278 billion), leaving a balance of €1.2 billion (Sh139 billion). Exports to the EU from EAC are mainly coffee, cut flowers, tea, tobacco, fish and vegetables.

Source: Daily Nation December 23, 2018 17:48 UTC