The move comes despite earlier concerns that South Africa’s Agoa eligibility could come under pressure amid Washington’s increasingly protectionist “America First” trade posture and diplomatic tensions over Pretoria’s foreign policy stance.
The United States’ decision to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade programme through to the end of 2026 has brought relief to South African exporters and businesses after months of uncertainty over the future of the preferential trade arrangement.
In a proclamation issued by US President Donald Trump, the White House confirmed that duty-free treatment under Agoa for beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries would remain in effect until 31 December 2026.
The extension from the end of September 2026 to end December also includes the continuation of the regional apparel and third-country fabric programmes that are critical to Africa’s textile and clothing industries.
The move comes despite earlier concerns that South Africa’s Agoa eligibility could come under pressure amid Washington’s increasingly protectionist “America First” trade posture and diplomatic tensions over Pretoria’s foreign policy stance.
