Trump moves to drop South Africa and Rwanda from African trade deal
President Trump has notified Congress that he plans to remove South Africa and Rwanda from a trade program that lets African goods enter the US duty-free, according to BBC News. The change would take effect on 1 January 2027. South Africa called the decision unfortunate.
Trump notified Congress of his plan to remove the two countries from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, known as Agoa, BBC News reports.
Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said a yearly review found the two countries were engaging in practices that do not meet the program's rules, the BBC says.
The administration cited barriers to US trade and investment, and concerns over national security and foreign policy, the BBC reports.
In a letter to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump said Pretoria's ties with governments of concern to Washington risked undermining US interests, the BBC says. He also cited limits on farm market access and intellectual property.
About 10% of South African exports to the US used Agoa in 2025, down from 28% in 2024, according to government figures cited by the BBC. Their value fell to about $1.7 billion from $4 billion, Trade Minister Parks Tau said.
For Rwanda, Washington also raised concerns about human rights, the rule of law and workers' rights, the BBC reports. The move comes about a week after US sanctions on Rwanda's defense ministry over its role in fighting in eastern DR Congo. Rwanda denies backing the M23 rebels.
US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III called it a predictable and preventable outcome, the BBC says.
Only BBC News has reported this so far, and NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.
What we know: Trump has notified Congress that he plans to remove South Africa and Rwanda from Agoa.
What we don't: How Rwanda will respond. No second outlet has confirmed the details yet.
Where outlets agree This is one outlet's report, with BBC News citing a statement from Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Where they differ South Africa's Trade Minister Parks Tau calls the decision unfortunate and says Washington raised new issues not part of trade talks, while Rwanda has not responded in the BBC report.