The United States has renewed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through December 31, 2026, restoring a key trade preference programme for eligible sub-Saharan African countries. The renewal applies retroactively from September 30, the date the programme had expired, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
AGOA Restored with Retroactive Effect
AGOA grants duty-free access to the US market for more than 1,800 products from eligible African countries, in addition to over 5,000 items already covered under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The programme has long been a cornerstone of US–Africa trade relations, particularly for sectors such as apparel, automotive products, and manufactured goods.
President Donald Trump signed the reauthorisation into law, formally reinstating the trade benefits after months of uncertainty following AGOA’s lapse last year.
Also Read: US House Backs Retroactive Extension of AGOA and HOPE/HELP Trade Programs
“AGOA for the 21st century must demand more from our trading partners and yield more market access for US businesses, farmers, and ranchers,” Greer said in a statement, adding that he would work with Congress over the coming year to modernise the programme in line with current US trade policy priorities.
AGOA has enabled the United States to import billions of dollars’ worth of goods duty-free from 32 African countries annually. Its expiration in September had immediate consequences, affecting thousands of jobs across the continent and triggering higher tariffs on African exports to the US. According to the United States International Trade Commission, exports under AGOA totalled $8.23 billion in 2024.
Industry groups have welcomed the renewal. Beth Hughes, vice president of trade and customs policy at the American Apparel & Footwear Association, said the decision provides critical relief to the sector. “The industry welcomes this long-awaited renewal. While the retroactive nature of this passage supports the industry for time lost, proactive and long-term renewal is what is needed for predictability, investment, and economic viability,” she said, adding that AAFA looks forward to working with Congress and the administration to ensure future renewals are secured well ahead of expiry dates.
The extension is expected to stabilise trade flows in the short term, while discussions on a more modernised and longer-term AGOA framework continue in Washington.
