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H.R. 6500119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Aug 10, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
HR 6500 extends duty-free African imports under AGOA to Dec 31, 2028 and lets importers reclaim tariffs paid after Sep 30, 2025.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
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.
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.
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.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Message on Senate action sent to the House.