The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) officially expired on September 30, ending 25 years of duty-free treatment for many US imports from sub-Saharan African countries. Despite strong bipartisan support, Congress was unable to renew the program before the deadline, leaving US importers and supply chain partners facing new tariff exposure and potential sourcing challenges.
In 2023, nearly $10 billion in US imports entered duty-free under AGOA—covering apparel, footwear, metals, vehicles, and other manufactured goods. With AGOA’s expiration, these products are now subject to most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rates, which may significantly increase landed costs and disrupt supply chains dependent on African sourcing. Industries such as textiles and apparel in countries like Kenya, Lesotho, and Madagascar are expected to be hit hardest, potentially leading to production slowdowns, factory closures, and order delays that ripple across logistics networks.
Beyond higher tariffs, US shippers should anticipate longer lead times, reduced export volumes, and supplier instability as African manufacturers adjust to losing preferential access. The lapse also creates broader uncertainty in US–Africa trade relations and may open the door for competing global partners to expand their influence across the region.
Importantly, recent legislation provides relief for importers impacted during the lapse period. The Act authorizes retroactive duty refunds (without interest) for ad valorem duties paid on eligible imports entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption between October 1, 2025, and February 3, 2026. Companies that paid duties during this window may have an opportunity to recover those amounts, provided proper documentation and claims are submitted.
While Congress and the administration continue to express support for AGOA, including potential extensions or long-term reauthorization, no definitive timeline has been set.
If your organization imported goods that may qualify for retroactive refunds—or if you have questions about the impact of AGOA’s expiration—reach out to Mohawk Global Trade Advisors (MGTA). Our team can help evaluate eligibility, prepare refund submissions, and develop strategies to mitigate ongoing tariff exposure.