Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal

US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from a preferential trade programme, from 1 January 2027.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the US duty-free.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement that an annual review had found that both countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with the programme's eligibility requirements.

He added that the Trump administration had additionally notified the two countries of the decision.

The Trump administration cited barriers to US trade and investment, as well as concerns over national security and foreign policy interests in the region.