The Trump administration will cut South Africa and Rwanda from the AGOA trade program

U.S. President Donald Trump will remove South Africa and Rwanda from the AGOA trade program by the end of the year, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. This action comes as a consequence of the countries' failure to meet certain criteria, such as trade barriers and alignment with U.S. foreign policy. AGOA, established in 2000, allows select African nations duty-free access to the American market for certain goods, provided they meet specific requirements like having a market-based economy, the rule of law, and eliminating barriers to U.S. trade and investment.

Over 30 African countries are currently part of AGOA, with many relying on the trade deal for economic growth. The U.S. has increasingly strained relations with South Africa during Trump's presidency, accusing the country's government of being anti-white and anti-American. Similarly, Rwanda has been sanctioned by the U.S. for supporting a rebel group in eastern Congo.