The Trump administration announced Monday that it intends to strip South Africa and Rwanda of duty-free access to the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said President Trump determined that both governments engage in practices inconsistent with AGOA eligibility criteria. The decision follows an annual review and takes effect January 1, 2027.

The administration cited barriers that undermine American trade and investment along with practices posing threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests in the region. For South Africa, officials added concerns over corruption. For Rwanda, they highlighted issues with the rule of law, political pluralism, worker rights, and human rights.

South Africa has been the program's largest beneficiary. It exported about $1.7 billion in goods to the United States under AGOA in 2025, mainly motor vehicles and parts plus agricultural products such as citrus and wine. Those shipments represent roughly 10 percent of its total exports to the U.S. and just 1 percent of its global exports.

Rwanda's participation has been limited since a partial suspension in 2018 over apparel exports. Its total goods imports from the U.S. reached $43.3 million in 2025.

AGOA, enacted in 2000 and renewed through 2028, grants eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free entry for thousands of products. Eligibility requires progress toward market-based economies, good governance, and the elimination of barriers to U.S. trade and investment.

The move aligns with the administration's emphasis on reciprocal trade arrangements and enforcement of program standards. South Africa's trade ministry indicated last week that it was prepared for a negative outcome and remains open to dialogue.

No immediate responses came from either African government following the announcement.