US to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free trade access
SPY•The United States plans to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act from January 1, 2027, citing concerns including human rights, corruption and threats to US interests. South Africa exported about $1.7 billion in goods to the US under the program in 2025.
1. Suspensions set for 2027
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said South Africa and Rwanda would be suspended from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from January 1, 2027. The administration said the countries’ practices were inconsistent with the program’s eligibility criteria and cited barriers to US trade and investment, national security and foreign policy concerns.
2. Exports and response
South Africa, the largest AGOA beneficiary, exported about $1.7 billion in goods to the US under the program in 2025, including car parts, citrus fruit and wine. Rwanda’s exports include coffee and minerals. South Africa’s trade ministry said it would support affected sectors and pursue trade and investment with the US; Rwanda had no immediate reaction.
3. Broader tensions
Washington also cited concerns about human rights and the rule of law in Rwanda, with experts linking the decision most likely to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The US has taken other measures against South Africa, including criticism of its foreign policy. South Africa said AGOA accounts for about 10% of its total exports to the US and 1% of its global exports, and said it would diversify its export markets.
