The 15% Tariff Isn’t the Story. Dependency Is.

On February 20, 2026 (read article), the US Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that President Trump had overstepped his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act when imposing sweeping global tariffs.

Within hours, the administration pivoted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 legally imposing a 15% global tariff.

This wasn’t chaos. It was recalibration and for Kenya, it exposed something bigger.

Kenya’s US Exposure

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kenya exported 116 million pieces of apparel worth USD 470 million last year, up 19%.

The World Bank estimates nearly 70% of Kenya’s textile exports go to the US.

That’s concentration risk.

For years, access has been anchored on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). But AGOA isn’t permanent. It’s preferential. And it’s political. If it lapses, Kenya’s average US tariff could jump significantly.

The Supreme Court ruling didn’t create this vulnerability. It made it visible.

What This Means for Exporters

The 15% tariff isn’t fatal. In fact, Kenya may still be relatively competitive compared to some Asian markets.

But advantage only matters if we move faster.

When margins tighten:

• Cost efficiency becomes critical

• Speed becomes leverage

• Logistics becomes strategy
  
  

Buyers don’t only price tariffs. They price reliability.

Where ShipShap Comes In

Trade policy will keep shifting.

What must stay constant is execution.

At ShipShap, our focus is simple:

• Reduce shipping costs

• Eliminate friction

• Move goods faster

• Help exporters stay competitive
  
  

Policy sets the environment.
Logistics determines who survives in it.

And right now, efficiency is not optional, it’s the edge. Sign up and Start Today