The United States plans to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from its African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade programme from January 1, 2027, citing concerns over human rights, corruption and threats to American interests.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer notified Congress of the decision on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The suspension could affect exports from both countries to the US, including South African automotive components and wine, as well as Rwandan coffee.
Established in 2000, AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products.
Greer said President Donald Trump had determined that the two governments were engaging in practices inconsistent with the programme’s eligibility requirements.
The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised South Africa, accusing its government of persecuting white South Africans. Pretoria has rejected the allegation.
The planned suspension marks another setback in relations between Washington and Pretoria and raises concerns about the future of preferential trade arrangements between the US and African economies.
AGOA has served as a major part of US economic engagement with sub-Saharan Africa for more than two decades.
