Washington: US Trade Representative Jameson Greer announced that President Donald Trump has signed a law extending the preferential trade program for Africa until December 31, with retroactive effect to September 30, 2025.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Greer emphasized that his office will collaborate with Congress this year to update the program, aiming to provide more market access for American companies, farmers, and ranchers. This initiative aligns with Trump’s ‘America First’ trade policy.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), originally enacted in 2000, offers tariff-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries, covering over 1,800 products. The program expired last September, posing a threat to hundreds of thousands of jobs in Africa.

The US House of Representatives initially passed legislation to extend AGOA for three years. However, the Senate later reduced the extension to one year, a measure that was subsequently approved by the House.

The extension of the trade program occurs amid strained relations between the United States and South Africa, Africa’s largest economy. Last year, Trump boycotted the G20 summit of major economies hosted by South Africa, which held the group’s rotating presidency.

In a subsequent statement, Trump indicated that South Africa would not be invited to the G20 meetings hosted by the United States this year, after assuming the presidency in December.

South African Trade Minister Parks Tau welcomed the extension of AGOA last month, stating that it “will provide certainty and stability for African and American businesses that rely on the program.”