African exports to the U.S. hit as AGOA expires

Pictured is the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Amb. Selma Ashipapa-Musavyi

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provided duty-free access to over 1,800 products from 32 African nations to the U.S. market, officially expired on September 30. While the Trump administration supported extending the act, Congress did not pass the necessary legislation before the deadline.

This expiration follows a suspension earlier in the year due to the implementation of new U.S. tariffs, which range from 10% to 30% on African imports. The tariffs have replaced the benefits of the duty-free pact, impacting businesses that relied on exports to the U.S. Despite the expiration, some African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, continue to advocate for the renewal of AGOA.

Namibia, a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), was eligible for AGOA benefits and has been certified for textile and apparel exports to the U.S. Under AGOA, Namibia was permitted to export over 6,400 products duty-free to the United States. In 2023, Namibia’s top exports to the U.S. included uranium and thorium ore ($40.5 million), diamonds ($6.45 million), and building stone ($1.57 million). Additionally, Namibia began exporting Windhoek Lager beer and encroacher bush acacia wood charcoal to the U.S. in 2021. The expiration of AGOA may impact these and other exports, especially as new U.S. tariffs come into effect.