NAIROBI, Kenya – The United States plans to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from a preferential trade programme that allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the American market without paying import duties.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the intended action on Monday, November 2, 2026, saying U.S. President Donald Trump had determined that the two countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with the eligibility requirements of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The proposed move threatens preferential access for South African exporters, who were the programme’s largest beneficiaries, shipping approximately $1.7 billion (about Sh220 billion) worth of goods to the US under AGOA in 2025.
For Rwanda, the decision could extend Washington’s trade restrictions beyond the apparel sector, which has already faced AGOA suspension since 2018.
“President Trump found that the governments of Rwanda and South Africa are engaging in practices that are inconsistent with AGOA’s eligibility criteria,” Greer said in a statement.
Why Washington Is Targeting South Africa
The Trump administration cited concerns over barriers to American trade and investment, corruption, and what it described as threats to US national security and foreign policy interests in South Africa.
The decision comes amid deteriorating relations between Washington and Pretoria over several political and diplomatic disagreements.
Trump has repeatedly accused South Africa of persecuting white people, a claim rejected by the South African government, which says it is based on falsehoods circulated by fringe groups.
Washington has also criticised Pretoria’s foreign policy, particularly its decision to bring a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel denies the allegation.
The dispute has become one of several sources of tension between the two governments, alongside disagreements over trade policy and South Africa’s international partnerships.
South Africa Had Prepared for Possible Suspension
South Africa’s Trade Ministry said last week that it was preparing for an unfavourable outcome from the US eligibility review but remained open to negotiations.
The government noted that AGOA-linked exports accounted for approximately 10 per cent of South Africa’s total exports to the United States and about one per cent of its overall global exports.
Although the programme represents only a portion of the country’s wider trade, losing preferential access could expose affected exporters to higher import duties and make their products less competitive in the American market.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa had also urged the country to prepare for possible exclusion, saying his administration was pursuing alternative markets and trade agreements.
South Africa has increasingly sought to diversify its export destinations, including strengthening commercial ties with China following a new trade arrangement.
Rwanda Faces Wider Trade Restrictions
Rwanda has previously faced restrictions under AGOA after Washington suspended duty-free treatment for its apparel exports in 2018.
The earlier dispute followed Kigali’s decision to increase tariffs on imported second-hand clothing as part of efforts to support its domestic textile and garment industry.
The United States argued that the move violated AGOA eligibility requirements, leading to the suspension of preferential treatment for Rwandan apparel products while other eligible exports retained access.
The latest announcement signals a possible broader suspension of Rwanda’s participation in the programme.
Washington also cited concerns about trade barriers, the rule of law and human rights in its latest assessment of the country.
What AGOA Suspension Means for African Countries
Established in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products.
The programme covers more than 1,800 products, including agricultural goods, textiles, clothing and manufactured items, in addition to products eligible under the US Generalised System of Preferences framework.
Beneficiary countries are required to demonstrate progress towards maintaining market-based economies, upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, combating corruption and removing barriers to American trade and investment.
The US President reviews country eligibility and can terminate a country’s designation if it fails to meet the requirements.
Congress renewed AGOA in February 2026 through December 31, 2026, meaning the programme’s broader authorisation is also approaching its current expiry date.
The latest announcement therefore creates additional uncertainty for African exporters already preparing for changes to the US trade relationship.
The Associated Press reported that the planned removals are intended to take effect from January 1, 2027, following notification to Congress and the affected governments.
