Washington, United States — President Donald Trump has signed a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, ensuring eligible African goods will continue to enter the United States duty-free and averting possible trade disruption across the continent.
The legislation, renewed hours before its planned expiry, keeps AGOA in force through 2027. Under the program, sub-Saharan nations that meet governance and labour standards may ship qualifying products to the U.
S.
Without tariffs. Official statements indicate the extension preserves a trade pathway worth billions of dollars for textile, agricultural and manufactured exports.
Regional officials confirmed the renewal will apply retroactively, meaning any duties that might have been collected from shipments departing this week will be refunded.
Sources close to negotiations said the brief lapse had already prompted some shippers to delay departures, but those cargoes can now clear U. S.
Customs at no added cost.
Local reports from South Africa, Kenya and Lesotho highlighted relief among clothing factories that rely on AGOA for access to the American apparel market. Representatives for these firms told independent observers that short-term contracts and seasonal orders were under threat until the extension was secured.
Officials noted that the one — year duration falls short of the multi-year horizon many African capitals had sought.
They added that discussions on a longer — term replacement are expected later this year. Further details are expected as governments review the terms.
Source: Africa.
