United States: the Senate gives the green light to the extension of Agoa until the end of 2028.

The bill was passed by 90 votes to 6, offering a perspective of continuity to African exporters as Agoa is set to expire at the end of the year. However, the process is not complete: the House of Representatives still needs to review the proposal before possible enactment by President Donald Trump.

Agoa is not a typical free trade agreement, but a preferential regime unilaterally granted by the United States. It concerns 32 African countries, primarily located in Sub-Saharan Africa, provided that they meet the conditions set by U.S. legislation.

African sectors directly concerned

The mechanism particularly benefits several export-oriented sectors. In South Africa, the automotive industry is one of the main sectors concerned. In Madagascar, vanilla can access the U.S. market under preferential conditions, while the textile and clothing industries of Kenya and Lesotho are also among the beneficiaries.

The major African economies, such as Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, and South Africa, are particularly following the evolution of the bill. For companies, the extension would help reduce uncertainty regarding access to the U.S. market and preserve certain export orders.

However, the overall impact on trade remains limited on the scale of U.S. foreign trade. According to data cited by RFI, about 6% of African exports are destined for the United States. The concerned exchanges represent several tens of billions of dollars, a relatively modest amount compared to the total volume of U.S. imports.

Moreover, the extension of Agoa would not automatically shield African exporters from other U.S. customs measures adopted since 2025. Some exemptions could be provided, but their terms will depend on the final text and its application by U.S. authorities.

If the House of Representatives approves the proposal and it is enacted, trade preferences would be maintained until December 2028. The exact schedule for the review in the House has not yet been communicated.