Trump administration is to strip South Africa and Rwanda of duty-free access to US markets under the AGOA trade scheme

The Trump administration is cutting both South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), ending the duty-free access to US markets that the scheme has provided to African nations for decades. The move marks one of the sharpest trade penalties Washington has applied to sub-Saharan Africa under Trump's second term.

South Africa had been under pressure over its foreign policy positions, including its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Rwanda's removal is expected to hit its garment and textile exporters, who have relied heavily on AGOA to sell into the American market.

The suspensions are due to take effect under a formal US trade review process, with no immediate timeline given for reinstatement.