The US will terminate South Africa and Rwanda’s participation in AGOA from 1 January 2027, ending their preferential duty-free access to the US market amid disputes over human rights, trade barriers, and regional security concerns.
The US will remove South Africa and Rwanda from its main duty-free trade programme for sub-Saharan Africa starting 1 January 2027. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the decision on 2 November 2026.
The programme, African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), took effect in 2000 and gives eligible African countries duty-free access to the US consumer market for thousands of products.
Why Washington is taking this step
The US government says both countries violate AGOA requirements. Greer cited concerns about human rights, corruption, and threats to US interests. Washington also says the two governments maintain trade barriers that hurt American investment and pose risks to US national security and foreign policy in the region.
Rwanda faces the most specific pressure. Analysts link the decision to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Washington accuses Rwanda of backing rebels. The US has already sanctioned several Rwandan individuals and institutions, including the military and a gold refinery. Rwanda has also faced a partial suspension since 2018, which blocks its apparel exports under AGOA because of import tariffs the US considers a barrier to trade.
What it means for South Africa
South Africa is the largest AGOA beneficiary. It exported about USD 1.7 billion worth of goods to the US under the programme in 2025. Its main shipments include car parts, citrus fruit, and wine.
The US has taken a series of steps against Pretoria, accusing its government of persecuting white South Africans. South Africa rejects that claim. Washington has also criticised South Africa’s foreign policy, especially its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Israel denies the charge.
South Africa’s trade ministry said it will support the sectors affected by the decision and keep pursuing trade and investment with the US. It noted that AGOA accounts for only about 10% of its exports to the US and about 1% of its total global exports.
President Cyril Ramaphosa had warned in recent weeks that the country must prepare to lose the program. Pretoria has been seeking new markets and signing trade deals with partners such as China.
Reactions and outlook
South Africa’s removal from the US trade programme drew criticism from US lawmakers and its ambassador, who blamed Pretoria for rejecting Washington’s concerns. The Council on Foreign Relations’ Ebenezer Obadare said South Africa could continue exporting to the US on less favourable terms, potentially prompting other African countries to diversify their trade strategies.
