Trump Signs AGOA Reauthorization Extending U.S. Trade Preferences Through 2026
President Donald Trump on Monday signed into law legislation reauthorising the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), extending the U.S. trade preference program for eligible sub-Saharan African countries through Dec. 31, 2026, according to an official statement from the U.S. government.
The legislation applies retroactively to Sept. 30, 2025, when the previous authorisation expired, ensuring continued duty-free access for qualifying exports during the lapse period, the statement said.
AGOA, enacted by Congress in 2000, provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market for more than 1,800 products. These benefits are in addition to over 5,000 products eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalised System of Preferences, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer said the extension is intended to allow time for potential reforms to the program.
“AGOA for the 21st century must demand more from our trading partners and yield more market access for U.S. businesses, farmers, and ranchers to build upon the benefits it has historically provided to Africa and the United States,” Greer said. “We must also make sure that the program enhances U.S.-Africa trade and will work with Congress over the next year to modernize the program to align with President Trump’s America First Trade Policy.”
According to the USTR, the agency will work with relevant federal departments in the coming days to implement any modifications to the Harmonised Tariff Schedule of the United States resulting from the legislation.
Eligibility for AGOA is governed by statutory criteria set by U.S. law. Participating countries must demonstrate progress toward establishing a market-based economy, adherence to the rule of law, political pluralism, and respect for due process. The statute also requires governments to remove barriers to U.S. trade and investment, adopt policies to reduce poverty, combat corruption, and protect internationally recognised human rights, the USTR said.
The reauthorization provides the administration and Congress with an extension period to review the program’s performance and consider possible updates before its new expiration date at the end of 2026.
