World

US apparel and footwear industries call for 16-year AGOA extension

Apr 18, 2024 United States

The AGOA trade programme, which grants duty-free access to the US market by eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is currently set to expire in September 2025

At the heart of this call is the AGOA Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024, recently introduced by Senators Chris Coons and James Risch. This bill proposes to extend the AGOA trade programme from 2025 to 2041, providing businesses with the certainty they need to invest in sub-Saharan Africa and further support economic growth and development in the region.

In the view of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), “By lowering the cost of trade and encouraging investment in the region, AGOA has created valuable opportunities for US businesses, workers, and consumers, while promoting sustainable economic growth and development throughout the region”.

The extension echoes the 16-year sunset provision included in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). AGOA also provided a bridge to trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP).

“As companies work to diversify out of China today more than ever, immediate and long-term renewal of AGOA for a 16-year period would be incredibly impactful and timely”, argues AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar. “AGOA renewal would bring quality work opportunities for African workers, many of whom are women, as companies commit to retain or grow orders from African factories as vital partners in their sourcing matrices”, he concluded.

Image Credits: agoa.info

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