Kenya will be able to export 98.2 percent of its goods to China without tariffs under a preliminary trade agreement, Reuters reports. The deal represents an initial step in ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a full bilateral trade framework.

The country’s trade ministry disclosed the discussions for the first time, saying the preliminary accord emerged from sustained talks with Chinese authorities. “We have initiated discussion with China to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement,” the ministry said in a statement. “These engagements have resulted in a preliminary agreement.”

President William Ruto has defended closer economic ties with China, responding to criticism from some U.S. officials. He emphasised the need to expand exports to the Asian economy to help address a trade imbalance heavily in Beijing’s favour, Reuters added.

The accord follows Ruto’s state visit to Beijing last year, during which Kenya signed multiple financing and cooperation agreements to strengthen diplomatic and commercial relations.