Sub-Saharan Shirts Hit Duty-Free Ceiling from D.C. Desk
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting October 1, 2026, new limits are set on duty-free imports of clothes made in certain Sub-Saharan African countries using regional or third-country fabric. This affects apparel businesses in those countries and U.S. importers who benefit from duty-free deals. The changes cap how much duty-free apparel can enter the U.S., aiming to balance trade benefits and protect U.S. interests.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Tariffs Apply If Caps Exceeded
Apparel articles entered in excess of the October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 quantity limits will not get duty-free treatment and instead will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs. Businesses and importers whose shipments exceed the caps will face regular tariff charges on the excess imports.
Annual Duty-Free Import Cap Set
Starting October 1, 2026, the total amount of apparel assembled in beneficiary Sub-Saharan African countries that can enter the U.S. duty-free is capped at 1,690,799,016 square meter equivalents for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2027. If imports count toward this cap, they must fit within that 1,690,799,016 square meter equivalent total.
Lesser-Developed Countries Sub-Allocation
Of the overall cap, 845,399,508 square meter equivalents are reserved for apparel imported under the special rule for lesser-developed beneficiary Sub-Saharan African countries for October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Apparel using that special lesser-developed-country rule must fit within the 845,399,508 square meter equivalent allotment.
Preferential Program Extended Through 2028
The notice cites that preferential duty-free treatment under the program has been extended through December 31, 2028. Eligible beneficiary countries remain covered by the program through that date, subject to the quantitative limits set for each period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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