From BBC News · · 1m 20s
Trump removes Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal
Donald Trump notifies Congress he will remove Rwanda and South Africa from Agoa, a preferential US trade programme, effective January 1st 2027.
In brief
Donald Trump notifies Congress he will remove Rwanda and South Africa from Agoa, a preferential US trade programme, effective January 1st 2027. Trump administration removes Rwanda and South Africa from Agoa trade programme over alleged corruption, human rights concerns and foreign policy interests. Originally reported…
Trump removes two African nations from trade deal
US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from Agoa, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, effective 1 January 2027.
What Agoa does and why it matters
Agoa allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the US duty-free. The removal threatens South Africa and Rwanda's access to preferential trade arrangements with the United States.
Trump administration cites multiple reasons for removal
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said an annual review found both countries engaged in practices inconsistent with programme eligibility.The administration cited barriers to US trade and investment, national security concerns, and foreign policy interests.
South Africa disputes the decision
South Africa's Trade Minister Parks Tau described the decision as unfortunate, saying Washington was raising new issues that had not featured in trade negotiations between the two countries, which began in 2025.
“We will continue to accelerate the diversification of South Africa's export markets to protect jobs.”
Rwanda faces separate concerns over Congo conflict
Washington raised concerns about Rwanda's human rights record, political pluralism, rule of law and workers' rights.
What it means
Trump administration removes Rwanda and South Africa from Agoa trade programme over alleged corruption, human rights concerns and foreign policy interests.
