African Growth and Opportunity Act Update

The White House announced year-end amendments to its trade relations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Mauritania has been reinstated as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country following its compliance with the eligibility requirements of the AGOA and the Trade Act. This reverses a 2018 decision which terminated Mauritania's beneficiary status due to insufficient progress.

The designations for the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries have been terminated, effective January 1, 2024, due to non-compliance with the requisite standards. This adjustment will affect trade and tariff treatments under the AGOA and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).

The removal of Uganda is reported to be a response to the recent passage of that country's Anti-Homosexuality Act, which offers the death penalty for what it refers to as “aggravated homosexuality”.

Israel Actions

The U.S. has taken further actions to maintain trade concessions with Israel under the United States-Israel Free Trade Area (USIFTA). Adjustments include extending duty-free access for specific Israeli agricultural products through December 31, 2024, continuing efforts from a series of agreements since 2004.

The modifications to the HTS and other U.S. trade policies outlined in this proclamation will come into effect on January 1, 2024. T

[USTR Release] [87 FR 437]