Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Congress of his decision to remove Rwanda and South Africa from a preferential trade program effective January 2027, according to a statement from U.S. Trade Representative Jamie G. Greer. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) permits eligible African nations to export a broad range of goods to the U.S. without tariffs.

Greer revealed that an annual review identified both countries' actions as not meeting the eligibility criteria for the Agoa program. The administration also alerted the two nations about this decision.

The Trump administration stated its decision was based on several factors, including trade and investment barriers, as well as security and foreign policy concerns in the region. In Rwanda's case, the U.S. raised concerns about human rights issues, political pluralism, the rule of law, and workers' rights. Washington also highlighted alleged support for an armed rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Rwandan defense ministry allegedly provided troops, weapons, and training to the M23 rebels.

For South Africa, the U.S. cited corruption as a reason for its decision. The administration emphasized that it aims to ensure African partners fulfill the eligibility criteria for Agoa. The move comes amid tense relations between the U.S. and both countries, potentially impacting their access to preferential trade arrangements with the U.S. Last year, Trump accused South Africa of engaging in "white genocide" during a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, and established a U.S. refugee pathway for Afrikaners.

U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III expressed disappointment over South Africa's removal from Agoa, stating it was a foreseeable consequence of the government's rejection of U.S. concerns.