Overview
- The House Ways and Means Committee advanced the AGOA Extension Act on a 37–3 vote, moving the bill to the full House for consideration.
- The legislation would extend duty-free access for eligible sub-Saharan African exports through Dec. 31, 2028 and preserve key apparel provisions including the Third Country Fabric rule.
- Imports entered since the Sept. 30 lapse would qualify for retroactive duty refunds, with a process for importers to file claims after enactment.
- The administration has signaled support for only a one-year renewal, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said he is open to different treatment for South Africa, though the House bill contains no exclusion.
- Lawmakers aim to attach the renewal to the January Continuing Resolution, as advocates warn of job losses and strategic risks and as the committee also advanced a three-year extension of Haiti’s HOPE-HELP programs.