Limits Hit Duty-Free African Apparel Imports for Fair Trade
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting February 3, 2026, there’s a new limit on how much duty-free apparel can be imported into the U.S. from Sub-Saharan African countries using regional or third-country fabric. This affects apparel makers and importers relying on these trade benefits, capping the amount at 7% of total U.S. apparel imports. These changes keep trade fair and support African growth through the end of 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
7% Cap on Duty-Free SSA Apparel
Starting February 3, 2026 and through September 30, 2026, duty-free imports of apparel assembled in beneficiary Sub-Saharan African countries from regional or third-country fabric are capped at 1,046,888,893 square meters equivalent. Any apparel entered above that amount will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs.
Lesser-Developed SSA Country Allocation
Of the overall cap for February 3, 2026 through September 30, 2026, 523,444,446 square meters equivalent (the special rule for lesser-developed beneficiary Sub-Saharan African countries) is reserved for apparel entered under that special rule. Apparel entered under that special rule in excess of 523,444,446 square meters equivalent will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs.
Preferential Treatment Extended Through 2026
Public Law 119-75 extended preferential, duty-free treatment for qualifying textile and apparel articles from designated beneficiary Sub-Saharan African countries through December 31, 2026. This keeps the program in place for eligible imports for the remainder of 2026.
Retroactive Relief for Lapse Period Imports
Qualifying apparel imported during the lapse in authorization from October 1, 2025 to February 2, 2026 is eligible for preferential treatment if an appropriate request for liquidation or reliquidation is submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This allows importers who brought in goods during the lapse to seek duty-free treatment retroactively.
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