US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of plans to remove Rwanda and South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), potentially ending their preferential duty-free access to the American market from January 1, 2027.
The decision, announced on Monday, November 2, 2026, follows an annual review of the eligibility of sub-Saharan African countries participating in the US trade preference programme.
According to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Trump administration believes that both countries have engaged in practices inconsistent with AGOA’s eligibility requirements. 
The US cited concerns relating to barriers to American trade and investment, governance, national security and foreign policy interests in the region.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the review identified what the administration described as concerning and pervasive practices that undermine American economic and strategic interests.
Why Rwanda and South Africa are affected
For South Africa, Washington specifically raised concerns about barriers to US trade and investment, corruption and issues relating to American national security and foreign policy.
Rwanda’s proposed removal comes amid wider tensions over security and developments in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including US allegations concerning Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels.
Rwanda has previously faced suspension from AGOA in 2018 over restrictions affecting certain second-hand clothing imports from the United States.
What AGOA means for African countries
Established in 2000, AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with preferential, duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products.
The programme covers more than 1,800 products, including agricultural commodities, textiles, clothing, manufactured goods and other exports.
South Africa has been one of the programme’s biggest beneficiaries. The country exported approximately $1.7 billion worth of goods to the United States under AGOA in 2025.
Its removal could expose affected exporters to higher import duties, potentially affecting the competitiveness of South African products in the American market.
What happens next?
The proposed termination is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, subject to the applicable notification and implementation process.
The development adds another dimension to the strained diplomatic and trade relations between Washington and Pretoria.
However, removal from AGOA would not amount to a complete ban on trade with the United States. Both countries would still be able to export goods to the American market under applicable trade arrangements and tariffs.
The decision also raises questions about the future of US-Africa trade relations and the potential economic consequences for African exporters.
