The United States has announced plans to remove Rwanda and South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) effective January 1, 2027, following an eligibility review by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), citing concerns over trade restrictions, investment barriers, human rights, corruption and threats to American national security and foreign policy interests.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the decision on November 2, 2026, saying President Donald Trump had notified Congress and the two governments of his intention to terminate their participation in the trade preference programme.
In a statement, Greer said the annual review found that both countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with AGOA's eligibility requirements. The administration said the decision was intended to encourage African trading partners to address the concerns and meet the programme's conditions.
For Rwanda, Washington identified concerns involving trade and investment barriers, the rule of law, political pluralism, internationally recognised workers' rights and human rights. The US also cited national security and foreign policy interests in the region.
South Africa faces separate concerns, including barriers affecting American trade and investment, corruption and issues relating to US national security and foreign policy interests. The announcement did not provide specific examples of the practices underpinning the latest decision.
Introduced in 2000 under former President Bill Clinton, AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with preferential duty-free access to the American market for thousands of products. The programme was designed to encourage economic growth, expand exports, attract investment and strengthen commercial relations between the US and African economies.
South Africa has been one of the programme's largest beneficiaries, exporting approximately US$1.7 billion worth of goods to the American market under AGOA in 2025. Its exports include automotive components, citrus products and wine. Rwanda has also used the programme to support exports, including coffee and minerals, although its apparel exports had already lost AGOA benefits in 2018.
The proposed removals come as African economies seek to diversify export destinations and strengthen regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Losing preferential access could expose affected exporters to higher US import duties and increase costs for businesses serving American customers.
AGOA is currently authorised through December 31, 2026, following a congressional extension in February. Its continuation beyond that date will depend on further legislative action, making both the programme's renewal and the proposed country removals important developments to watch.
