Overview
- The House passed H.R. 6500 by a 340–54 vote to extend AGOA through December 31, 2028, preserving duty‑free access for eligible Sub‑Saharan African exports.
- The measure now moves to the Senate, which can amend or approve it before any identical version is sent to President Donald Trump for signature.
- South Africa’s continued participation faces scrutiny, with a separate Senate proposal from John Kennedy seeking tougher conditions or removal of Pretoria from the programme.
- African manufacturers and officials welcomed the House vote but urged quick Senate action after AGOA’s September 2025 lapse reimposed tariffs and threatened jobs.
- South Africa’s minister Parks Tau said renewal would provide business certainty, while the EFF called for Pretoria to reject AGOA as serving U.S. geopolitical interests.