AGOA Extension and Bilateral Engagement Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would extend and modernize the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through 2027 and create a new U.S. bilateral trade and accountability framework focused on South Africa. It pairs continued trade preferences and technical fixes for apparel and fabric programs with required strategies and reviews aimed at deepening trade and addressing strategic concerns tied to China, Russia, and shifts in the African National Congress.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Extend AGOA trade benefits to 2027
If enacted, this bill would extend AGOA trade preferences and apparel programs through 2027. It would change the apparel counting rule to 23 one-year periods and move 2025 dates to 2027. It would also fix technical cross-references in AGOA law. U.S. firms that export to AGOA countries would keep existing preferences until 2027.
U.S. strategy for AGOA trade deals
If enacted, the U.S. Trade Representative would send Congress a strategy report within 180 days. The plan must name at least five AGOA countries to prioritize and include a timeline. It must assess trade and investment flows and set readiness criteria. USTR must consult State, Commerce, businesses, labor, civil groups, and African regional communities.
Review and sanctions report on South Africa
If enacted, the President would conduct a comprehensive review of U.S.–South Africa relations. Within 120 days, the President must give Congress an unclassified report with findings and a certification. The President must also submit a separate classified list of senior officials and ANC leaders within 120 days. For each person, the classified report must explain conduct and give a sanctions timeline or a reason not to sanction. The review requires consultation with State, Defense, Treasury, and other agencies.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Kennedy, John [R-LA]
LA • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov