US extends African trade program to December 2028, offers tariff refunds

What does this do?

HR 6500 extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export certain goods to the United States without paying import tariffs. The program was set to expire September 30, 2025, and this bill moves the new expiration date to December 31, 2028. Importers who paid tariffs on qualifying African goods after September 30, 2025 can apply for refunds within 180 days of the bill becoming law.

Who does it affect?

Businesses that import goods such as clothing and textiles from eligible African nations are directly affected, as are African manufacturers and workers who depend on US market access. American consumers may be indirectly affected because duty-free imports can influence prices on certain goods.

Why does it matter?

Without the extension, the lapse in AGOA coverage would leave African exporters without preferential access to the US market and importers without a path to recover tariffs paid during the gap period. The customs user fee end date is also shifted from September 30, 2031 to December 31, 2031, a technical calendar alignment that does not change fee amounts.

Where does it stand?