US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the AGOA trade programme from January 1, 2027, threatening their preferential access to the American market.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act allows eligible sub Saharan African countries to export thousands of products to the United States duty free.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said an annual eligibility review found practices in both countries that Washington considers inconsistent with AGOA requirements.
“These concerning and pervasive practices include, but are not limited to, barriers that undermine American trade and investment and practices that pose a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.” - Jamieson Greer
Washington Raises Separate Concerns
For South Africa, the Trump administration cited trade and investment barriers, corruption and concerns linked to US national security and foreign policy.
Washington raised additional concerns over Rwanda’s human rights record, political pluralism, workers’ rights and rule of law.
The decision comes days after the US Treasury sanctioned Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence over allegations that it supported the M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Kigali has faced repeated international accusations over support for M23.
South Africa Calls Decision ‘Unfortunate’
South African Trade Minister Parks Tau described the move as unfortunate and said Pretoria would accelerate efforts to diversify export markets while protecting jobs.
South Africa was AGOA’s largest beneficiary in 2025, exporting about US$1.7 billion worth of goods under the programme, including automotive products, citrus and wine. AGOA exports accounted for roughly 10% of South Africa’s exports to the US.
The planned removal adds another strain to Washington’s relations with both countries as the January 2027 deadline approaches.
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