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2h ago

AGOA Faces Imminent Lapse as Lesotho Says U.S. Plans One-Year Extension, Kenya Presses for Five

With no public stance from the White House, uncertainty over renewal terms is forcing African exporters to prepare for higher tariffs.

A container ship is unloaded at the Port of Los Angeles, in San Pedro, California, U.S., May 1, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
Image
William Ruto, President of Kenya, speaks during an interview with Reuters at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations, during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, U.S., September 24, 2025. REUTERS/Bing Guan
William Ruto, President of Kenya, speaks during an interview with Reuters at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations, during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, U.S., September 24, 2025. REUTERS/Bing Guan

Overview

  • The African Growth and Opportunity Act is due to expire on September 30, ending duty- and quota-free access for over 6,000 products from 32 African countries unless renewed.
  • Lesotho’s trade minister said U.S. officials indicated a one-year extension could be finalized by November or December, a claim the White House has not confirmed.
  • Kenya’s President William Ruto said he expects to conclude a U.S.–Kenya trade deal by year-end and will push for at least a five-year AGOA extension.
  • Senate Democrat Ron Wyden remains in favor of renewing the program, while analysts warn Congress may not approve a last-minute fix after a similar effort failed in 2024.
  • An expiry would sharply raise tariffs on many goods—synthetic textiles could jump to about 43%—and could erode U.S. commercial influence as China expands duty-free access for African exports.