African exports to the US under AGOA to decline by 2024
A 13% decline despite the maintenance of trade preferences
Exports from sub-Saharan African countries to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) reached $8 billion in 2024, marking a 13% drop compared to 2023. This program, in place since May 2000, continues to benefit mainly a limited number of countries and sectors.
Five countries account for the majority of exports
In 2024, five countries accounted for nearly 65% of AGOA exports:
- South Africa: $3.76 billion
- Kenya: $567 million
- Madagascar: $345 million
- DR Congo: $287 million
- Ivory Coast: $178 million
Breakdown of exports by sector
Crude oil exports amounted to $2 billion, or 25% of the total, with Nigeria the main supplier ($1.6 billion). Non-hydrocarbon exports amounted to $6 billion, broken down as follows:
- Automotive vehicles and components: $2.4 billion
- Textiles and clothing: $1.2 billion
- Agricultural and food products: $949 million
- Base metals: $711 million
- Chemicals: $251 million
Uncertainties over the future of AGOA
With Donald Trump back in the White House, uncertainties are looming over the extension of AGOA. This program allows eligible Sub-Saharan African countries to export nearly 1,800 products duty-free to the United States, in addition to the 5,000 other products already benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
Conclusion: A beneficial but threatened program
AGOA remains an important lever for African exports, but benefits a limited number of countries and sectors. The decline recorded in 2024 underlines the dependence of certain African economies on this preferential trade regime, whose future remains uncertain in the face of political changes in the United States.
