Overview

• AGOA benefits ended at midnight after Congress and the Trump administration did not pass a renewal, exposing African shipments to standard U.S. tariffs.
• The program had enabled nearly $10 billion in U.S. imports and supported hundreds of thousands of jobs across about 32 sub‑Saharan countries.
• International agencies warn of steep losses, with the International Trade Centre projecting a 21% drop in exports to the U.S. over four years and heavy hits to apparel, textiles, leather, footwear, and processed foods.
• U.S. business groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and the American Apparel & Footwear Association, caution that the lapse disrupts supply chains and could cede sourcing influence to China.
• African officials continue lobbying in Washington as South Africa’s Parks Tau expresses confidence in renewal, with lawmakers discussing a short extension that could be applied retroactively after a failed bid to tie it to a funding bill.