The United States has announced plans to remove South Africa and Rwanda from its African trade preference program, potentially ending duty-free access for their exports to the American market from January 1, 2027.
The decision was communicated by the US President, Donald Trump, to Congress and the governments of the two African countries following an annual review of their eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA.
The program, introduced in 2000, allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export thousands of products to the United States without paying import duties.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the review found that both countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with the program’s eligibility requirements.
Greer said the administration was working to ensure African trade partners took the necessary steps to satisfy the program’s conditions.
In South Africa, Washington identified alleged barriers to American trade and investment, corruption and concerns relating to national security and foreign policy.
Trump also accused the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa of maintaining restrictions affecting agricultural market access, investment protections and intellectual property.
South Africa’s Trade Minister, Parks Tau, described the decision as unfortunate, arguing that the US had introduced new concerns that were not part of ongoing trade negotiations.
Tau said the government would intensify efforts to diversify the country’s export markets to protect jobs and reduce the potential impact of losing the trade benefits.
According to him, “South Africa’s exports under AGOA dropped to approximately $1.7 billion in 2025 from $4 billion recorded in 2024”.
For Rwanda, the US cited concerns over human rights, political pluralism, the rule of law and workers’ rights.
The proposed removal comes days after the US imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s Defence Ministry over allegations that it supported M23 rebels operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Washington accused Rwanda of providing troops, weapons, equipment and logistical support to the armed group. Kigali has repeatedly denied backing the rebels.
US import data showed that Rwanda’s exports to the American market increased to $43.3 million in 2025, compared with $13.1 million in 2024.
AGOA, established in 2000, provides eligible African countries with preferential access to the US market for thousands of products, including agricultural goods, textiles and manufactured items.
The program’s eligibility requirements include commitments to economic reforms, the rule of law, political pluralism and the protection of internationally recognised human rights.
The proposed termination of South Africa and Rwanda’s participation is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027, subject to the completion of the process.