# US to Terminate AGOA Trade Privileges for South Africa and Rwanda Washington cites security and trade barriers as reasons for removing two key African partners. - **Source:** [DW – Africa](https://www.dw.com/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-02 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0e1aedff-1bb0-4737-8c09-800604999bf6 ## AGOA Program Exclusion Announced US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that President Donald Trump intends to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act starting January 2027. This trade program has provided duty-free access to the US market for thousands of sub-Saharan African products for the past twenty-six years. ## Eligibility Criteria Violations Cited The US government claims both nations engage in practices inconsistent with AGOA eligibility requirements. Officials cited barriers undermining American trade and investment, alongside actions posing threats to US national security and foreign policy interests. However, the official statement provided no specific examples regarding these alleged trade barriers or security concerns. ## South Africa Economic Impact Assessment South Africa, the largest beneficiary of the program, exported $1.7 billion in goods like car parts, citrus, and wine to the US in 2025. The Trade Ministry noted that AGOA exports represent only 10% of its total US exports and 1% of its total global trade, minimizing the overall impact. ## Citrus Industry Faces Uncertainty Despite the government's stance, the export-dependent citrus industry warned that its entire value chain is now under threat. Industry representatives stated that the economic security of entire communities and numerous jobs are at stake due to the loss of duty-free access, highlighting the vulnerability of specific agricultural export sectors. ## Rwanda Sanctions and Regional Context The US decision follows recent economic pressure on Rwanda regarding its alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Washington recently sanctioned Rwanda's Defense Ministry and a gold refinery. Rwanda denies any ties to the M23 group, which remains a central point of diplomatic tension. ## Strategic Shift in Trade President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that South Africa must prepare for exclusion by seeking new markets and trade deals with partners like China. The South African government expressed disappointment, noting that the reasons for exclusion were not conditions set during previous negotiations, and will now focus on diversifying its export destinations. ## Historical Context of AGOA Introduced in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, AGOA covers over 1,800 products and serves as a centerpiece of US economic engagement with Africa. Membership requires maintaining open market economies, democratic principles, rule of law, and labor protections, alongside the elimination of barriers to American trade and investment for all participants. ## Future Diplomatic and Economic Outlook While the US remains an important trade partner, South Africa indicated it will provide support for affected sectors to mitigate the transition. The exclusion marks a significant shift in US-Africa economic policy, forcing affected nations to re-evaluate their reliance on American trade preferences and prioritize broader international trade partnerships instead. ## Sources covering this story - [DW – Africa — US to Remove South Africa and Rwanda from AGOA Trade Program](https://www.dw.com/en/us-to-drop-south-africa-rwanda-from-duty-free-trade-initiative/a-79834508?maca=en-rss-en-africa-8291-rdf) - [The Africa Report — South Africa Challenges US Stance on AGOA Trade Exclusion](https://www.theafricareport.com/435388/agoa-south-africa-says-us-shifted-goalposts-on-trade-rwanda-less-affected/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._