Senate to Review Trade Bill after 340 Lawmakers Back 2028 AGOA Extension

WASHINGTON D.C. — The United States House of Representatives has passed a crucial bill to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), moving the landmark trade programme a significant step closer to a new expiry date of 31 December 2028.

The legislation was approved on 12 January by a substantial majority, with 340 votes in favour and 54 against.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate for further examination before it can be formally adopted.

Securing Trade Stability

The move is designed to prevent a lapse in the preferential trade agreement, which was originally scheduled to expire on 30 September 2025.

By pushing the deadline to late 2028, the extension aims to provide continued stability for sub-Saharan African nations that rely on the programme for duty-free access to US markets.

Economic Impact and Origins

Established in 2000, AGOA has functioned as a primary engine for African exports to the United States.

The programme allows eligible countries to ship specific products without incurring customs duties, a mechanism intended to:

• Bolster regional trade and international investment.
• Strengthen competitiveness within the American marketplace.
• Support economic diversification for participating nations.

Regional Reaction

The progress of the bill is being monitored closely by officials in Mauritius and across the African continent.

Stakeholders are currently evaluating how the three-year extension will facilitate new export opportunities and enhance the strategic position of African goods in the US.

The programme had previously been granted a ten-year renewal, and this latest legislative action represents the next phase in its evolution.

Source: l’Express