US plans to end South Africa and Rwanda AGOA benefits

The United States has notified Congress and the governments of South Africa and Rwanda that it intends to end their participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from January 1, 2027, removing duty-free treatment for eligible exports if the decision takes effect. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said President Donald Trump made the decision after an annual review found the countries’ practices inconsistent with AGOA eligibility criteria. Greer cited barriers to U.S. trade and investment and concerns over national security and foreign policy. U.S. officials also cited corruption in South Africa and human rights, workers’ rights, political pluralism and rule of law concerns in Rwanda. The U.S. statement did not give detailed examples of the cited barriers or security concerns. South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said Pretoria had offered additional concessions in negotiations with Washington that began in 2025. The department said the United States had raised new issues that were not part of those discussions. U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell said the exclusion followed Pretoria’s rejection of U.S. concerns and...