US to renew AGOA trade pact with Africa

A group of US senators introduced a bill to renew AGOA trade program with 40 nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, to help them maintain duty-free access to the US market ahead of the deal’s expiration next year.

The legislation, first enacted in 2000, is expected to be extended until 2041, news agencies reported.

Biden’s administration has expressed support for the pact as more than $10 billion worth of African exports entered the U.S. duty-free under the program in 2022, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.

Through this scheme, the US seeks to lower its dependence on Chinese commodities amid fierce competition over Africa’s critical minerals.

However, despite longstanding bipartisan support from U.S. lawmakers, who view AGOA as critical to countering the influence of China in Africa, there are divisions in Washington over the need for updates.