The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

Thousands of U.S. jobs and billions in trade are at risk. Congress must act now to reauthorize and modernize this vital program.

• For 26 years, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been the foundation of U.S. trade and economic relationships with Africa, unlocking key African markets for U.S. companies, allowing them to diversify supply chains and better compete globally. Unless Congress extends it, AGOA will expire on December 31, 2026.

• AGOA enhances U.S.-Africa trade and investment by granting eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to U.S. markets for over 6,500 products. Countries must meet criteria related to market-based economy practices, rule of law, human rights, and economic reform.

• AGOA has helped create hundreds of thousands of jobs, both in the U.S. and in African countries. More than 450,000 U.S. jobs are tied to U.S.-Africa trade.

• AGOA benefits the United States, with U.S. exports to AGOA countries increasing by nearly 300% since its inception.

• Secretary Rubio has stated: “In Africa, America needs a policy of trade, not aid, and … expanding opportunities for American companies.” This is what AGOA does.

• Allowing AGOA to lapse would cede America’s strategic and economic interests to our strategic adversaries. China has granted duty-free trade status to nearly all African nations.

• If AGOA is not renewed, U.S. tariffs on key supplier countries to U.S. apparel brands will more than double or triple, which will lead to higher costs for U.S. consumers and/or renewed reliance on China for production.

We urge Congress and the Administration to extend and modernize AGOA before it expires on December 31, 2026.