US Excludes South Africa, Rwanda from Africa Duty-Free Trade Deal

The United States has announced plans to exclude South Africa and Rwanda from a major duty-free trade programme for African countries, citing practices it says are inconsistent with the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the decision on Monday, November 2, 2026, saying the two countries would lose preferential access to the American market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from January 1, 2027.

In a statement, Greer said the concerns included barriers undermining American trade and investment, as well as practices considered threats to US national security and foreign policy interests in the region.

The proposed exclusions come despite the recent renewal of AGOA, which provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with preferential access to the US market for thousands of products. The programme is subject to annual reviews of participating countries’ eligibility.

South Africa, the programme’s largest beneficiary, faces significant potential consequences from the decision. The country exported approximately $1.7 billion worth of goods to the United States under AGOA in 2025, according to Reuters.

Losing preferential access could increase import costs for American buyers of South African goods, potentially affecting the competitiveness of products in sectors such as agriculture, automotive manufacturing and industry.

The decision comes amid strained relations between Washington and Pretoria over South Africa’s domestic policies and foreign policy positions. The Trump administration has criticised Pretoria over allegations of discrimination against white Afrikaners, which the South African government rejects.

South African Trade Minister Parks Tau had expressed hope for a favourable outcome before the announcement, while President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the country to prepare for the possibility of losing its trade benefits. Pretoria has also been exploring alternative markets and trade partnerships.

Rwanda’s exclusion comes amid increased pressure from Washington over regional security concerns, particularly allegations that Kigali supports the M23 rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda has denied supporting the group.

AGOA was established in 2000 to strengthen economic ties between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa by providing eligible countries with preferential access for qualifying exports. Participation depends on meeting requirements relating to economic policy, governance, human rights and barriers to American trade and investment.

The planned exclusions could place additional pressure on exporters in both countries as they consider alternative markets and seek to maintain commercial ties with the United States.