Kenya will retain duty-free access to the United States market after President William Ruto secured an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The president announced the agreement on Saturday while inspecting an affordable housing project in Vihiga County. The preferential trade deal had been scheduled to expire at midnight on Sept. 30, 2025, but the White House supported a one-year extension.
Kenya exported apparel worth $470 million to the U.S. in 2024 under the program enacted in May 2000. The agreement provides eligible sub-Saharan African nations with duty-free access for more than 1,800 products. Ruto stated that he reached the deal during his speech at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The extension received bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats in Congress. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance reported the agreement saves American consumers between $200 million and $250 million annually. The arrangement benefits thousands of workers in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors who depend on exports of textiles, coffee, tea, and horticulture products.
Kenya exported apparel worth $470 million to the U.S. in 2024 under the program enacted in May 2000. The agreement provides eligible sub-Saharan African nations with duty-free access for more than 1,800 products. Ruto stated that he reached the deal during his speech at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The extension received bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats in Congress. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance reported the agreement saves American consumers between $200 million and $250 million annually. The arrangement benefits thousands of workers in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors who depend on exports of textiles, coffee, tea, and horticulture products.
