Trump plans to end South Africa and Rwanda’s access to US trade programme
The proposed removal of both countries from Agoa would take effect on 1 January 2027, following a US review of their eligibility.
By Karim Ramirez ·
US President Donald Trump has informed Congress that he intends to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, with the change scheduled for 1 January 2027. The decision would end the two countries’ access to preferential trade arrangements under the US programme.
Known as Agoa, the programme permits eligible African nations to sell thousands of products to the United States without paying import duties. The planned removal comes as Washington’s relations with both South Africa and Rwanda are strained, putting their continued participation in the trade arrangement at risk.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said an annual assessment had concluded that practices in both countries failed to meet Agoa’s eligibility conditions. In a statement, he said the administration had informed the governments of South Africa and Rwanda of its decision, in addition to notifying Congress.
The administration identified obstacles to American trade and investment among its reasons for the move. It also cited concerns relating to US national security and foreign policy interests in the region. Washington raised corruption as an additional issue in its assessment of South Africa, while its concerns about Rwanda extended to human rights, political pluralism, the rule of law and workers’ rights.
The announcement follows US Treasury sanctions imposed barely a week earlier on Rwanda’s defence ministry over its alleged involvement in the armed rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Treasury accused the ministry of directing thousands of troops to fight with M23 rebels and supplying weapons, equipment, logistical assistance and training.
Greer said the administration was working to encourage African partners to take the steps needed to satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements. His statement placed the decision within that review process, with the proposed termination set to take effect at the beginning of 2027.
Relations with South Africa have also been marked by disputes. In 2025, Trump accused the country of white genocide during a White House meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. He also introduced a US refugee pathway for Afrikaners.
US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III expressed regret over the country’s removal from Agoa. Writing on X, he blamed South African government policies and its rejection of concerns raised by Washington, describing the outcome as predictable and preventable.
Source: BBC News
