Hearings, Meetings, Proceedings, etc.: Annual Review of Country Eligibility for Benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act for Calendar Year 2027

Stephen Lande, President of Manchester Trade Limited Inc, requests to testify in favor of expanding AGOA benefits to more Sub-Saharan African countries. He argues that the current limited eligibility puts the United States at a competitive disadvantage compared to China and the European Union, and he intends to advocate for interpreting existing eligibility rules more broadly to include more countries.

The Association for Competitive Technology (ACT) is requesting the opportunity to provide oral testimony at the public hearing regarding AGOA country eligibility for 2027. They argue that the USTR should incorporate digital trade metrics, such as data flow restrictions and intellectual property protections, into the eligibility review process.

The Initiative for a Digital Africa (IDA) supports the annual review and a long-term reauthorization of AGOA. They argue for modernizing the act to include provisions that address digital trade barriers, such as data localization mandates and internet shutdowns, to promote a more competitive digital economy in Africa.

Tewodrose Tirfe, Chairman of the Amhara Association of America, opposes designating Ethiopia as a beneficiary country under AGOA for 2027. He argues that the Ethiopian government continues to commit gross human rights violations, including drone strikes on civilians and systematic sexual violence, against the Amhara people.

The African Union is submitting an official position advocating for the broadest possible inclusion of all sub-Saharan African countries as beneficiaries under AGOA for 2027. They argue that a more inclusive framework, aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), would promote regional value chains, sustainable economic growth, and mutually beneficial trade relations between Africa and the United States.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) supports the AGOA review process and urges the USTR to use the act as a tool to address specific non-tariff trade barriers and high tariffs on U.S. red meat in countries like South Africa, Angola, Namibia, and Kenya. They advocate for the removal of unscientific trade restrictions and protectionist licensing regimes to improve market access for American farmers and exporters.

The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) supports a timely, long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). They argue that AGOA is a critical sourcing destination for U.S. brands and that maintaining its flexible "third-country fabric" rules of origin is essential for investment and job creation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) supports the continuation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), noting that it provides duty-free access to unique wood species not available domestically. They urge the USTR to engage with non-designated sub-Saharan countries to explore their eligibility for future benefits.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) supports the U.S. government's review of South Africa's AGOA eligibility, specifically urging the government to address South Africa's proposed "Revised Draft White Paper" on audiovisual media services. The MPA argues that the White Paper's proposed licensing, content quotas, and levies would create unnecessary regulatory barriers, stifle investment, and harm the U.S. film and television industry's ability to operate in the South African market.

Kimvuka Connect, a U.S.-based nonprofit, supports continued constructive engagement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the AGOA framework. They argue that the DRC's natural resources and diaspora are vital for economic cooperation and recommend policies that promote responsible investment and small business participation.