China has confirmed the import of 54 tonnes of macadamia nuts from Kenya, despite a Kenyan government ban on the export of raw macadamias. According to Chinese authorities, the shipment took 30 days to arrive in Hunan Province and was purchased directly from an African supplier.

Du Xiaohui, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the arrival of the first batch of nuts this year and said total imports are expected to reach 2,000 tonnes. “Glad to see 54 tonnes of Kenyan macadamia nuts arrived in Hunan, which is the first batch of nut products imported from Africa to Hunan Province this year. Total imports of this delicious nut are expected to reach 2,000 tons this year. The Chinese market welcomes Kenyan products,” Du Xiaohui stated.

The announcement came days after Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) said on July 18 that it is prohibited to export raw macadamia nuts from Kenya. The AFA stated that several shipments of raw macadamia nuts attempting to leave the country had been stopped at the borders.