Disputes push countries into bilateral deals to ensure seamless flow of trade

Kenya and Uganda have has a trade dispute over milk imports. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The milk imports row between Kenya and Uganda capped a year of simmering trade disputes between East African Community (EAC) member countries, undermining free movements of goods and services in the region.

Kenya and Uganda last week reached a deal on taxation of pharmaceuticals, juices, and milk products, which had threatened to push the two neighbouring countries into a collision course.