US lawmakers table Bill to extend Agoa by three years to 2028

US seeking to restore stability to Washington's flagship trade programme with sub-Saharan Africa

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

KAAMIL Allii, spokesperson for the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said the Bill will go to the House and follow the legislative process in the US.

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US LEGISLATORS have introduced a bill to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) for three more years, seeking to restore stability to Washington's flagship trade programme with sub-Saharan Africa after it lapsed on 30 September.

The Agoa Extension Act (H.R. 6500), sponsored by Representatives Jason Smith (R-MO) and Adrian Smith (R-NE), aims to renew the programme until 31 December 2028, giving US companies and African exporters much-needed certainty as policymakers consider a longer-term overhaul.

Agoa, first enacted in 2000, provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for more than 1 800 products, in addition to the more than 5 000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the Generalized System of Preferences program.