Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal
Summary
Donald Trump has notified Congress of plans to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) starting January 1, 2027. The US Trade Representative said an annual review found that both countries did not meet the program’s eligibility requirements, citing trade, security and foreign-policy concerns.Key Facts
- Agoa lets eligible African countries export thousands of products to the United States without tariffs.
- The proposed removals would take effect on January 1, 2027.
- The US Trade Representative said the administration had also notified South Africa and Rwanda of its decision.
- The United States cited trade and investment barriers and concerns about regional security and foreign policy.
- For Rwanda, the United States also cited concerns about human rights, political pluralism, the rule of law and workers’ rights.
- The US Treasury recently sanctioned Rwanda’s defence ministry over its alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- For South Africa, the administration also cited corruption.
- US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III said South African government policies led to the planned termination from Agoa.
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