South African citrus growers and African exporters are on edge as Donald Trump’s return to the White House casts doubt over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AGOA, which allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 1,800 African products, is set to expire next year.
Trump’s pledge to impose a 10-percent import tariff leaves exporters fearing major losses. Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, warns that losing AGOA would cost South Africa’s rural economy thousands of jobs and over a billion rand ($55.5 million) in revenue.
While some businesses believe U.S. consumers will continue purchasing their products despite higher prices, AGOA’s loss would impact key sectors, especially agriculture and textiles in Ghana, Kenya, and Lesotho.
Analysts anticipate Trump’s policies may remain unpredictable, urging African exporters to prepare for potential volatility.
Whether AGOA is renewed or revised, African businesses are left in limbo, concerned about sustaining their foothold in the U.S. market.
