Legal Documents

A bill introduced by Senator John Kennedy to extend AGOA by 20 years to September 2043. Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. 

Reaffirming the importance of diplomacy and development in United States- African Union relations, promoting strategic partnerships and shared objectives between the United States and the African Union, and expressing strong support for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

On the basis of the record1 developed in the subject investigations, the United States International Trade Commission (“Commission”) determines, pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930 (“the Act”), that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of lemon juice from Brazil and South Africa, provided for in subheadings 2009.31.40, 2009.31.60, and 2009.39.60 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that have been found by the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) to be sold in the United States at less than fair value (“LTFV”).

On July 14, 2022, the United States and Kenya launched the United States-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). Under this initiative the two governments will pursue enhanced engagement leading to high standard commitments in a wide range of areas with a view to increasing investment; promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth; benefiting workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)); and supporting African regional economic integration. As the two governments develop a roadmap for the initial issues under that engagement, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comments on matters relevant to specified trade areas, including U.S. interests and priorities, in order to develop objectives and positions for enhanced engagement and subsequent negotiation.

A bill to promote, facilitate, and increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and Africa. 01/20/2022 Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.Action By: Committee on Ways and Means 01/20/2022 Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.Action By: House of Representatives 01/20/2022 Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.Action By: House of Representatives 01/20/2022 Introduced in HouseAction By: House of Representatives

A Message to the Congress on the Termination of the Designation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Ethiopia), the Republic of Guinea (Guinea), and the Republic of Mali (Mali) as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

For the one-year period, beginning on October 1, 2021, and extending through September 30, 2022, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under these provisions is 2,066,936,295 square meters equivalent. Of this amount, 1,033,468,148 square meters equivalent is available to apparel articles imported under the special rule for lesser- developed countries.

Proclamation 10128 of December 22, 2020. To take certain actions under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and for other purposes

For the one-year period, beginning on October 1, 2020, and extending through September 30, 2021, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under these provisions is 1,856,390,368 square meters equivalent. Of this amount, 928,195,184 square meters equivalent is available to apparel articles imported under the special rule for lesser- developed countries.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is announcing the initiation of the annual review of the eligibility of the sub-Saharan African countries to receive the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The AGOA Implementation Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (AGOA Subcommittee) is developing recommendations for the President on AGOA country eligibility for calendar year 2021. The AGOA Subcommittee requests comments for this review. Due to COVID-19, the AGOA Subcommittee will foster public participation via written submissions rather than an in-person hearing. This notice includes the schedule for submission of comments and responses to questions from the AGOA Subcommittee related to this review. Dates June 24, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Deadline for submission of written comments on the eligibility of sub-Saharan African countries to receive the benefits of AGOA. July 7, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Deadline for the AGOA Subcommittee to pose any questions on written comments. July 16, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Deadline for submission of commenters' responses to questions from the AGOA Subcommittee. July 25, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Deadline for replies from other interested parties to the written comments and responses to questions. August 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Deadline for the AGOA Subcommittee to pose any additional questions on written comments. August 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Deadline for...

For the one-year period, beginning on October 1, 2019, and extending through September 30, 2020, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under these provisions is 2,146,573,294 square meters equivalent. Of this amount, 1,073,286,647 square meters equivalent is available to apparel articles imported under the special rule for lesser- developed countries.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is announcing the initiation of the annual review of the eligibility of the sub-Saharan African countries to receive the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The AGOA Implementation Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (Subcommittee) is developing recommendations for the President on AGOA country eligibility for calendar year 2020. The Subcommittee requests comments for this review and will conduct a public hearing on this matter.

Notes to the United States Tariff Schedule. 

Federal Register Announcement - AGOA Apparel Quotas 2018-2019, as published on 01 October 2018  For the one-year period, beginning on October 1, 2018, and extending through September 30, 2019, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under these provisions is 2,048,357,135 square meters equivalent. Of this amount, 1,024,178,567 square meters equivalent is available to apparel articles imported under the special rule for lesser- developed countries. Apparel articles entered in excess of these quantities will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs.

Presidential proclamation to take certain actions under AGOA and for other purposes. 

[This Bill became law on 23 April 2018] This bill directs the President to establish a website for the collection and dissemination of information regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  The Department of State is urged to promote the use by eligible sub-Saharan African countries of the benefits available under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.  The President is urged to: facilitate trans-boundary trade among eligible sub-Saharan African countries;  provide training for business and government trade officials on accessing AGOA benefits;  provide capacity building for African entrepreneurs and trade associations on production strategies, quality standards, and market development; provide capacity building training to promote product diversification and value-added processing; and  provide capacity building and technical assistance funding to help African businesses and institutions comply with U.S. counter-terrorism policies.  The Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 is amended to permit an eligible country that has entered into a Millennium Challenge Compact to enter into one additional compact under specified conditions.  The bill establishes, beginning with FY2013, new assistance criteria for a low-income or a lower middle income candidate country eligible to enter into a Millennium Challenge Compact with the United States.  The Millennium Challenge Corporation shall: (1) before selecting a...

Request letter concerning USTR / USITC investigation into US trade with Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 (TPEA) requires the President to establish a petition process to review the eligibility of countries for the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This authority has been delegated to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Comments on this interim final process required by April 18, 2016. 

A temporary rebate provision under rebate item 460.03/0207.14.9/01.07 has been created for frozen meat of the species Gallus domesticus, cut in pieces with bone in, classifiable in tariff subheading 0207.14.9 and imported from or originating in the United States of America. This is created for such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) may allow by specific permit on recommendation of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

For the one-year period, beginning on October 1, 2015, and extending through September 30, 2016, the aggregate quantity of imports eligible for preferential treatment under these provisions is 1,935,096,830 square meters equivalent. Of this amount, 967,548,415 square meters equivalent is available to apparel articles imported under the special rule for lesser- developed countries.

Federal Register notice announcement on the initiation of an out-of-cycle review (including hearings and submissions) into the eligibility of the Republic of South Africa to receive the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as required by the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 (TPEA)

PUBLIC LAW 114 - 27 - TRADE PREFERENCES EXTENSION ACT OF 2015 (AGOA 2015-2012 extension). This is the AGOA 2015-2025 renewal legislation as signed into law. It is based on Bill H.R. 1295.   Category Bills and Statutes Collection Public and Private Laws SuDoc Class Number AE 2.110:AE 2.110/3:AE 2.110:114-27 Law Number Public Law 114-27 Date Approved June 29, 2015 Full Title An act to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the Generalized System of Preferences, the preferential duty treatment program for Haiti, and for other purposes. Bill Number H.R. 1295 Report Number H. Rept. 114-71 Statutes at Large Citations 125 Stat. 416 and 460129 Stat. 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 and 419 United States Code Citations 19 U.S.C. 1514, 1677, 1677b, 1677e, 1677m, 2271, 2296, 2311, 2317, 2318, 2319, 2323, 2345, 2401g, 2461, 2463, 2465, 2466a, 2466b, 2701, 2703a, 3438, 3501, 3701, 3702, 3703, 3721 and 58c42 U.S.C. 1395m and 1395x Legislative History LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 1295:HOUSE REPORTS: No. 114-71 (Comm. on Ways and Means).CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 161 (2015):Apr 15, considered and passed House.May 14, considered...

An Act, to promote access to benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and for other purposes.  Update: 8 September 2016: Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.  This bill was originally introduced to the House of Representatives on 19 June 2015. On 8 September it was received by the Senate for consideration, and passed on to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.