US House Passes Three-Year AGOA Extension As South Africa’s Trade Status Faces Scrutiny

The United States House of Representatives has passed legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another three years, renewing a key trade framework that grants eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to US markets.

AGOA had expired last October and remained in limbo for several months, prompting warnings from economists and trade experts that prolonged uncertainty could disrupt exports, damage businesses and strain economic ties between Africa and the United States.

Lawmakers backed the extension by a wide margin, with 340 votes in favour and 54 against.

The bill now heads to the US Senate, where deliberations will determine its final outcome. For South Africa, however, approval of the extension does not guarantee continued participation, as its relationship with Washington remains under strain.

AGOA Extension Moves Forward in US Congress

The House vote reflects strong bipartisan support for maintaining AGOA, which has long been viewed as a cornerstone of US-Africa trade relations. Supporters argue the programme boosts economic growth, encourages investment and strengthens commercial ties across the continent.

Despite the momentum in the House, uncertainty lingers as the Senate prepares to debate the bill. South Africa’s position is particularly delicate, with US lawmakers increasingly questioning its alignment and trade conduct.

South Africa–US Relations Under the Spotlight

Relations between Pretoria and Washington have been tense in recent years, shaped by disagreements over trade issues and South Africa’s foreign policy choices. These include concerns over market access as well as the country’s participation in military exercises involving China, Russia and Iran.

Reports indicate that, ahead of the House vote, South Africa requested Iran to withdraw from the joint naval exercise “Will for Peace” held in False Bay. The move was widely seen as an attempt to ease friction with the United States as Congress considered the AGOA extension.

US Lawmakers Question South Africa’s AGOA Eligibility

Criticism has also come from senior US legislators. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch has been vocal in his opposition, arguing that South Africa’s stated non-aligned stance is contradicted by its military engagements.

“South Africa’s ANC-led government’s foreign policy hides behind a claim of non-alignment, yet its military hosts drills with America’s chief adversaries. Any promise or deal this government offers Washington is meaningless when its actions signal open hostility toward the United States,” Risch said.

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He went further, adding, “President Trump is right to treat South Africa’s government for what it is: an adversary of America. That is why the US should take stronger action against the South African government. The time for envoys, bureaucratic reviews, or business deals bridging the gap has passed.”

As the Senate takes up the bill, the extension of AGOA appears likely, but South Africa’s continued access to the trade benefits remains far from assured.

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