US to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from AGOA benefits in 2027

The US plans to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from AGOA starting January 1, 2027.

AGOA is a US programme that gives eligible African countries duty-free access for some exports.

South Africa exported about $1.7bn of goods under the programme in 2025, including cars, farm products and wine.

The US says both countries failed to meet eligibility rules covering governance and trade, and it cited concerns about human rights and trade barriers in Rwanda.

For South Africa, the decision comes amid wider tensions with the Trump administration over its domestic and foreign policies.

South Africa had prepared for a negative outcome and says it remains open to dialogue, while seeking new markets and trade deals; neither country had immediately responded to the announcement.