US Removes Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and Central African Republic from Trade Program

US President Joe Biden has announced his intention to remove Gabon, Niger, Uganda, and the Central African Republic from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program due to concerns over human rights violations and lack of progress in political pluralism and the rule of law. The termination of their designation as beneficiary countries will take effect on January 1, 2024, but their eligibility will continue to be assessed. AGOA, which grants duty-free access to the US market for qualifying African countries, is set to expire in September 2025, with discussions underway for a possible extension.