U.S. Deal to Boost Mauritian Textile Industry with 300 Tons of Cotton

Washington D.C. / Port Louis — The U.S. will export 300 metric tons of high-quality cotton from North Carolina to Mauritius in a new trade deal set to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The agreement, announced this week by the U.S.-Africa Trade Desk (USATD), is part of a wider American initiative to expand agricultural exports and foster mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.

The deal will supply Mauritius’ vital textile industry with premium American cotton, enhancing the integrity and traceability of its supply chains.

Meanwhile, U.S. cotton producers will gain new long-term commercial opportunities.

“We are delighted to announce that Mauritius will import premium cotton from the United States to support its vital textile sector.

The expansion of trade promotes prosperity for both nations,” said U.S. Ambassador Henry V. Jardine.

William Fanjoy, Senior Trade Advisor at the USATD, echoed this sentiment, stating that the cotton shipment “illustrates the potential that can be born when American farmers, African manufacturers, and trade facilitators collaborate for shared prosperity.”

He added that the agreement aligns with the Trump administration’s foreign trade strategy, which prioritizes agriculture.

New Tariff Rate for Mauritian Exports

The U.S. has finalized a reciprocal tariff on Mauritian exports, setting the rate at 15% as of August 7, 2025.

This represents a significant reduction from the initial 40% proposed in April 2025. The change is part of President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” policy, which affects numerous countries worldwide.

The new tariff rate places Mauritius in a more advantageous position compared to many other international exporters.

Mauritius ranks as the 41st largest global trading partner for the U.S., representing only 0.0070% of total U.S. imports, which were valued at $3.36 trillion in 2024.

While seemingly modest, this position is considered strategic within the African context and among small global economies.

AGOA Benefits Set to Expire

The new trade dynamics come as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is set to expire on September 30, 2025. AGOA provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for a wide range of products from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, including Mauritius.

The potential expiration of AGOA has raised concerns about its impact on Mauritian exports, particularly in the textile and apparel sectors.

Experts fear a significant decline in exports to the U.S. if the legislation is not renewed or replaced.

Source: l’Express