US to drop South Africa and Rwanda from AGOA trade deal
The United States will suspend South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act from 1 January 2027, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on 2 Nov. South Africa exported about $1.7 billion of goods to the US under the programme in 2025, down from $4 billion in 2024, and the trade ministry said it would support affected sectors. Greer cited trade and investment barriers, corruption and threats to US security and foreign policy interests. South Africa rejects a Trump administration claim that it persecutes white South Africans. Rwanda had no immediate reaction.
Key facts
- Only 10% of South African exports to the US entered under the programme in 2025, down from 28% in 2024.
- The programme was introduced in 2000 and covers more than 30 sub-Saharan countries and over 1,800 products.
- South Africa's main exports under the programme are car parts, citrus fruit and wine; Rwanda's are coffee and minerals.
- Citrus farmers called the removal a serious blow, and Cosatu warned of impact on thousands of agricultural and manufacturing jobs.
- Trade Minister Parks Tau said the government would respond if South Africa were removed.
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Why it matters
The suspension would remove duty-free US access for two African exporters that rely on the programme.
What changed
First published from BBC News, Africanews, Al Jazeera English, DW and The Straits Times