Ethiopia Still Barred From AGOA; No Changes to List
There will be no changes in 2025 to the countries that can participate in the trade benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a spokesperson from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced last week.
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In written comments and at a public hearing, some groups argued that Ethiopia, which was barred in 2022 and seeks reentry, should remain out due to oppression in the Tigray region. Ethiopia had been the fifth-largest participant in AGOA before it was terminated at the beginning of 2022, and exported almost $129 million of goods to the U.S. covered by the program before its eligibility was withdrawn (see 2406280027). Some witnesses also argued that Uganda, which was barred after a harsh anti-gay law was passed in 2023, should be restored.
The trade benefits program will expire Sept. 30 if Congress does not act to extend it.