US to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free trade access
Washington cites trade, governance and human rights concerns as it moves to review duty-free access for the two African countries.
- On Monday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced Washington intends to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, effective January 1, 2027.
- President Donald Trump found that the governments of Rwanda and South Africa are engaging in practices that are "inconsistent with AGOA's eligibility criteria," Greer said, citing trade barriers and human rights concerns.
- South Africa exported about $1.7 billion in goods under the program in 2025, though these exports represent only about 10% of its total US trade and 1% of its global exports.
- Prepared for a negative outcome, South Africa's trade ministry remains open to dialogue while President Cyril Ramaphosa pursues new trade deals with partners such as China.
- Administration officials flagged South Africa's International Court of Justice case against Israel as a foreign policy concern, while the government characterizes claims of white persecution as "a falsehood spread by fringe groups.
29 Articles
29 Articles
World's largest economy shuts out South Africa, Rwanda from trade benefits across its $33 trillion market as Trump finalises AGOA decision
The United States has moved to terminate South Africa and Rwanda's eligibility for its African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), threatening their preferential access to the world's largest economy, valued at approximately $33 trillion, from January 1, 2027.
Washington plans to exclude two African nations from a key trade agreement, due to practices that do not meet established criteria.South Africa faces criticism for trade restrictions and Rwanda for human rights violations, escalating tensions with the US.
US excludes South Africa, Rwanda from Africa duty-free trade deal
The United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Monday said Washington would exclude South Africa and Rwanda from a major Africa-US duty-free trade deal, a blow to both economies, over practices “inconsistent” with the deal’s eligibility criteria. Read More: https://punchng.com/us-excludes-south-africa-rwanda-from-africa-duty-free-trade-deal/
US to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free trade access
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Monday that Washington intends to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
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