US Suspends South Africa & Rwanda Trade Access

Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative, said Monday that South Africa and Rwanda will be suspended from its flagship duty-free trade program for sub-Saharan Africa by Washington. The move would affect exports including South African auto parts, wine, and Rwandan coffee.

Congress was notified by Greer that two countries would be suspended from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), citing concerns about human rights, corruption and threats to US interests.

Since the deal was enacted in 2000, this program has been the centerpiece of US economic engagement with Africa. Earlier, the deal offered duty-free access to the US consumer market for thousands of products from eligible countries.

Greer said in a statement, “ President Trump found that the governments of Rwanda and South Africa are engaging in practices that are inconsistent with AGOA’s eligibility criteria.”

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US administration has taken a series of measures against South Africa, accusing its government of persecuting white South Africans, an allegation Pretoria rejects. 

South Africa’s Trade Ministry said late Monday that it would support sectors affected by the decision and continue pursuing trade, investments, and shared economic opportunities with the US. Meanwhile, Rwanda did not immediately react.