In November 2023, following the conclusion of the annual AGOA Forum in South Africa, US Senator Chris Coons (Democrat - Delaware) circulated a first discussion draft of legislation to extend the term of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond its current sunset clause in 2025, and to modify several provisions. While this was not the first congressional proposal to address the pending AGOA expiry, it was the first that was of significant substance.

On 11 April 2024, Senator Coons, along with 6 co-sponsors (split between Republicans and Democrats), formally introduced the “ pdf AGOA Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024 (274 KB) ”. This Senate Bill contains several changes and updates to the previous discussion draft, and adds substantive detail, while retaining the new expiry date that would see AGOA extended to the year 2041. This 16-year renewal period is similar in length to what was previously agreed under the USMCA Free Trade Agreement.

This Trade Brief provides an overview of the key details of the AGOA renewal legislation as introduced in the Senate, along with additional explanations and implications, and a short overview of the legislative process involved in passing this legislation. Find out more on AGOA.info