US to exclude South Africa, Rwanda from AGOA trade deal

The United States will exclude South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act from January 1, the United States Trade Representative said Monday.

Jamieson Greer said the two countries had practices “inconsistent” with the duty-free trade programme's eligibility criteria. He said those practices included barriers affecting US trade and investment and issues posing a threat to US national security and foreign policy interests in the region.

AGOA gives eligible sub-Saharan African countries preferential access to the US market. It has been renewed until the end of 2028 but is reviewed annually.

South Africa is the programme's largest beneficiary. Its eligibility has come under scrutiny as Washington increases criticism of Pretoria, including allegations of discrimination against white Afrikaners that South Africa rejects.

Washington has also increased pressure on Rwanda over its alleged backing of the M23 rebel group in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda denies backing M23. Last week, the United States sanctioned Rwanda's defence ministry over those alleged ties.