Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal

In a notification to Congress, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to exclude South Africa and Rwanda from a preferential trade program effective from 1 January 2027. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) grants eligible African nations the privilege of exporting numerous goods to the US without incurring tariffs.

US Trade Representative Jamie Jamieson Greer disclosed in a statement that an annual assessment revealed both countries were violating the program’s eligibility criteria. The Trump administration also informed the nations of this decision. The administration attributed the decision to trade barriers, security concerns, and foreign policy interests in the region.

In Rwanda’s case, Washington raised objections regarding human rights, political pluralism, the rule of law, and workers' rights. This move follows the US Treasury's sanctions imposed on Rwanda’s defence ministry for its alleged involvement in an armed rebellion in eastern DR Congo, where it allegedly supplied weapons, equipment, logistics, and training to the M23 rebels.

Concerning South Africa, the US highlighted corruption as a reason for the exclusion. The administration aims to ensure its African partners fulfill the eligibility requirements. The announcement arrives amid strained relations between Washington and both countries. In a previous meeting, Trump accused South Africa of white genocide and introduced a US refugee pathway for Afrikaners.

US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III expressed regret over the termination, stating that it was an outcome resulting from South Africa’s government rejecting US concerns.