Originally enacted in 2000, AGOA allows eligible African countries to export certain goods, including vehicles, clothing, and agricultural produce, to the United States without tariffs. The programme had lapsed on September 30, 2025, but US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the extension, signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 3, would be applied retroactively to cover the period from that date.
While the extension provides relief to several African economies, South Africa’s continued participation remains uncertain amid strained diplomatic ties with Washington. For now, South Africa’s membership appears intact, but the situation is being closely monitored.
South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, welcomed the renewal but expressed concern over its brevity. “This extension will provide some relief to South African products exported under the scheme. We are, however, concerned by the short nature of the extension, and we hope the United States will use this opportunity towards a programme that provides certainty around investment and purchasing decisions,” Tau said in a statement on Tuesday.
Tau also highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve the 30% tariff the US imposed on South African goods in 2025, which currently negates much of AGOA’s benefits. “We continue to engage constructively with the US administration and believe that a healthy trade relationship benefits both our countries,” he added.
US Trade Representative Greer indicated that AGOA could see broader changes in the coming year. “AGOA for the 21st century must demand more from our trading partners and yield more market access for US businesses, farmers, and ranchers,” he said. Greer noted that US agencies and Congress would work to modernize the program in line with the America First Trade Policy, while also updating the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to reflect the new AGOA rates.
The USTR emphasized that eligibility for AGOA requires participating countries to maintain market-based economies, uphold the rule of law, promote political pluralism, and guarantee due process. Countries must also remove barriers to US trade and investment, combat corruption, enact poverty reduction policies, and protect human rights.