President Donald Trump plans to end Rwanda’s and South Africa’s U.S. trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2027, after finding their practices did not meet the program’s eligibility standards.
Trump notified Congress and the governments of both countries of his intention, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said Nov. 2. USTR led the annual review with other federal agencies, and Trump made the eligibility finding based on that review.
For Rwanda, the administration cited barriers to trade and investment, concerns involving the rule of law and political pluralism, internationally recognized worker rights and human rights, and what it described as risks to U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities in the region.
For South Africa, it listed barriers to U.S. trade and investment, corruption, and risks involving U.S. security and foreign policy.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington would continue working with African partners on steps to qualify for AGOA. The planned termination is set for Jan. 1, 2027.
