Author: Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh
The continuation of duty-free access to the US market for exporters of certain textile/apparel as well as agriculture goods from Sub-Saharan Africa seems assured. September 1st a two-year extension of AGOA ( African Growth and Opportunity Act) has been approved with by the US House of Representatives. – The legislation will become law upon presidential signature.
In force since the year 2000 AGOA currently enables 32 eligible Sub-Saharan African countries to export approximately 1.800 products duty-free to the US, in addition to over 5,000 goods included in the Generalized System of Preferences. (more with FASHION TODAY NEWS October 2025).
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) applauded the Congressional passage, emphasized that AGOA has bolstered US exports in textiles and agriculture, while deepening commercial ties between the United States and African nations. AAFA’s Vice President of Trade and Customs Policy: “We are grateful for the bipartisan, bicameral support these vital programs have received and look forward to President Trump signing the two-year extension into law”, [Remark by the editor: The Haiti Economic Lift Program received Congress approval for extension in parallel). Beth Hughes further: “Our industry remains firmly committed to these programs and encourages Congress to use this extension as an opportunity to modernize AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP and build toward a 15-year renewal. Long-term renewal continues to be the goal in order to encourage investment, deepen trade partnerships, and strengthen industries at home and throughout the region.”