South Africa braces for some job losses as AGOA ends

South African exporters are preparing for possible job losses after the United States announced its intention to end the country’s benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on 1 January 2027. The US also plans to remove Rwanda. Washington said its annual eligibility review had raised concerns about barriers to US trade and investment, corruption and matters affecting US national security and foreign policy. The decision would remove duty-free treatment for qualifying South African goods, adding costs for exporters that use the scheme.