Politics
US to strip South Africa and Rwanda of duty-free US trade access
November 3, 2026 at 06:26 AM
The United States will suspend both countries from the African Growth and Opportunity Act's duty-free trade benefits effective January 1, 2027.
- US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced Monday that the annual review found both countries engaged in practices inconsistent with AGOA's eligibility criteria.
- South Africa, the program's largest beneficiary, exported about $1.7 billion of goods under AGOA in 2025, mainly motor vehicles and farm products.
- Washington cited trade barriers, rule of law and human rights concerns for Rwanda, which was also suspended in 2018.
- South Africa's trade department said it was prepared for a negative outcome and remains open to dialogue with Washington.