Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal

US President Donald Trump has informed Congress of his decision to exclude South Africa and Rwanda from a preferential US trade program, effective from January 1, 2027. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) allows eligible African nations to export thousands of products to the US duty-free. US Trade Representative Jamie Pryce announced the move during an annual review, stating that both countries were found to be in violation of the program's eligibility requirements.

The administration cited concerns over trade barriers, national security, and foreign policy interests in the region. In Rwanda's case, the US raised additional concerns about human rights, political pluralism, the rule of law, and workers' rights, citing its defense ministry's alleged involvement in the armed rebellion in eastern DR Congo.

South Africa's trade minister described the decision as "unfortunate," alleging that Washington raised new issues not previously discussed in trade negotiations that began in 2025. US Ambassador to South Africa regretted the termination, attributing it to South Africa's rejection of US concerns. The move comes amid strained relations between Washington and both nations, threatening their access to preferential trade arrangements with the US.