Trade: United States to Sanction South Africa and Rwanda Starting in 2027

On November 2, 2026, Washington announced that South Africa and Rwanda would lose their eligibility for AGOA from January 1, 2027, ending duty-free access for certain exports to the United States. The USTR cited barriers to U.S. trade and investment and the countries’ alignment with Washington’s foreign policy. Rwanda had already faced U.S. sanctions against its defense ministry, which is accused of supporting the M23 rebels, and its clothing exports have been excluded from AGOA benefits since 2018. The program has been extended through December 2028, but its list of eligible countries is reviewed annually.