Trump Moves to Remove South Africa and Rwanda from US Trade Programme

The Trump administration plans to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from January 1, 2027, ending their preferential access to the US market. President Donald Trump has notified Congress and both governments of the proposed move. Introduced in 2000, AGOA allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export thousands of products to the United States without paying import duties. The program aims to strengthen US-Africa trade, investment and economic ties.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said an annual review found that both countries had failed to meet certain AGOA eligibility requirements. Washington cited trade and investment barriers, national security and foreign policy concerns. It also raised corruption allegations against South Africa and concerns about human rights, political freedoms and workers’ rights in Rwanda.The proposed removal could weaken both countries’ access to the American market and further strain their relations with Washington.

Trade and Political Disputes Deepen US Rift with South Africa and Rwanda

Relations between the United States and South Africa have deteriorated over trade, foreign policy and racial issues. Washington has accused Pretoria of maintaining trade barriers and raised concerns about corruption, while criticising its diplomatic ties with Iran and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). During President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 White House visit, Donald Trump alleged that white South Africans faced persecution and genocide, claims Pretoria rejected and which remain unproven. His administration later introduced a special refugee programme for some Afrikaners, a predominantly white South African community with Dutch roots.

Rwanda faces separate US criticism over human rights, political freedoms, the rule of law and workers’ rights. However, these concerns remain allegations by Washington, not independently established findings. Regional tensions have further strained relations, with the US accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo through troops, weapons, training and logistical assistance. Rwanda has disputed the allegations. Washington subsequently imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defense ministry, restricting certain financial transactions and access to US-linked assets.These disputes have further complicated US relations with South Africa and Rwanda.

South Africa Faces Export Risks as Rwanda Could Lose Trade Benefits

South Africa could face significant economic costs if it loses its trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. In 2025, the country exported about $1.7 billion worth of goods to the United States under the program, including automotive products, citrus fruit and wine. These exports accounted for around 10% of South Africa’s total exports to the US and about 1% of its global exports. Pretoria has pledged to support affected industries and explore opportunities in other markets. However, losing preferential tariffs could increase export costs and make South African products less competitive in the American market.

Rwanda’s coffee and mineral exports could also face higher costs if the country loses additional AGOA benefits. Rwanda had already lost preferential access for certain apparel exports in 2018, while other eligible products continued to receive benefits. The latest proposal could extend the loss of trade preferences to more exports. South Africa and Rwanda now face growing economic and diplomatic uncertainty as they seek to address Washington’s concerns before the proposed changes take effect on January 1, 2027.

Web Resources On Trump Moves to Cut South Africa and Rwanda from AGOA

1. BBC : Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal
2. U.S.News : Trump Administration Will Cut South Africa and Rwanda From the AGOA Trade Program
3. DW News : US to drop South Africa, Rwanda from AGOA duty-free trade initiative
4. The Hill : Trump administration will cut South Africa and Rwanda from the AGOA trade program