Trump Moves to Exclude South Africa, Rwanda from AGOA Trade Programme

US President Donald Trump has moved to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), potentially ending their preferential access to the American market from January 1, 2027.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the decision followed a review of the two countries’ compliance with AGOA requirements.

Greer cited barriers to US trade and investment, national security concerns and foreign policy interests as reasons for the proposed withdrawals.

South Africa was also flagged over alleged corruption and policies the US administration considers unfavourable to American commercial interests.

Rwanda, meanwhile, faced concerns over human rights, the rule of law, political freedoms and internationally recognised workers’ rights.

The allegations and concerns reflect the US administration’s position and have not been independently established as findings of wrongdoing.

Established in 2000, AGOA grants eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products.

South Africa is among the programme’s major beneficiaries, particularly through its automotive, agricultural and manufacturing exports.

Rwanda previously lost AGOA duty-free benefits for apparel exports in 2018 following a dispute over tariffs on imported second-hand clothing, although other eligible products retained preferential access.

The proposed withdrawals come as the current AGOA authorisation is due to expire on December 31, 2026, unless Congress extends the programme.