Ugandan producers of various products have been advised on how to access the lucrative United States market.
Speaking at an engagement meeting at the Uganda Investment Authority, Esther Psarakis, a U.S. trade expert, urged the producers to develop unique value propositions for their businesses to stand out and gain an edge over competitors from other countries.
Psarakis also suggested that Uganda should create its own “Made in Uganda” value proposition to make its products unique and globally competitive.
She advised that in order to improve access to the U.S. market, producers must ensure business transparency, financial transparency, meet U.S. product standards, demonstrate business stability, and have political stability. A good business reputation and avoiding negative media portrayals are also crucial.
Psarakis noted that much of the coffee imported into the U.S. comes from Brazil, which faces a 50% tariff. Uganda, with a 15% tariff, should capitalise on this 35% tariff difference to push its high-quality coffee into the U.S. market with competitive pricing.
The Deputy Executive Director of Standards at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) said that Ugandan producers should start with national standards, which align closely with global standards, to meet U.S. product requirements.
Ejalu also encouraged producers to form export partnerships to benefit from economies of scale, such as better quality, quantity, and supply consistency.
Dr. Anna Nakanwagi, a Board Director at UIA, emphasised that Ugandans interested in exporting to the U.S. and other markets should seek the right information and data to gain access and have a competitive advantage over exporters from other countries.
