US President Donald Trump has signed a legislation extending the African Progress and Alternative Act (AGOA) for yet one more yr, maintaining the duty-free commerce programme in place by means of 31 December.
The extension applies retroactively from 30 September 2025, in accordance with US Commerce Consultant (USTR) Jamieson Greer.
AGOA, first launched in 2000, offers eligible Sub-Saharan African nations duty-free entry to the US market on greater than 1 800 merchandise.
The programme had expired in September, elevating fears that the top of preferential entry might threaten a whole lot of hundreds of African jobs linked to exports to the US.
Greer stated his workplace would work with Congress this yr to replace the programme. The aim, he stated, is to develop entry for US companies, farmers and ranchers, whereas bringing the framework according to Trump’s America First commerce agenda.
The ultimate determination follows a legislative compromise. The US Home of Representatives initially permitted a three-year extension final month. The Senate later decreased it to at least one yr, and the Home agreed to the change.
AGOA renewed amid strained relations
The renewal comes at a tense time for US-South Africa relations. South Africa, Africa’s largest economic system, has confronted rising diplomatic friction with Washington.
Trump skipped a G20 assembly hosted by South Africa final yr whereas it held the rotating presidency. He later stated South Africa wouldn’t be invited to G20 conferences hosted by the US this yr.
South African Commerce Minister Parks Tau welcomed the extension final month.
“The extension will present certainty and predictability for African and American companies that depend on the programme,” stated Tau.
The USTR stated it could work with different businesses to implement any tariff schedule adjustments ensuing from the laws.
To qualify, collaborating nations should present progress towards a market-based economic system, uphold the rule of legislation, and shield political rights and due course of.
They have to additionally scale back boundaries to US commerce and funding, combat corruption, sort out poverty, and safeguard human rights.
