USTR Request for Comments on Modernizing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice asks companies, trade groups, and other interested parties to comment on how the U.S. should modernize AGOA, the trade program that gives duty-free access to certain goods from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. USTR says it wants ideas on how to better protect U.S. workers and businesses, reduce barriers to U.S. exports, strengthen supply chains, and make AGOA more reciprocal and easier to enforce. The practical effect is a chance for importers, exporters, manufacturers, and investors with Africa exposure to shape the next version of the program before Congress considers reauthorization. Comments are due by May 15, 2026, and filings can include business confidential information if properly marked and paired with a public version.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- USTR is seeking public comments on changes to AGOA ahead of possible congressional reauthorization.
- The notice sets a filing deadline of May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET and requires English-language submissions through Regulations.gov.
- It invites input on tougher eligibility rules, stronger enforcement, reciprocal market access, critical minerals, and ways to increase U.S. exports and jobs.
Obligations
What this law requires
Interested parties that want their comments considered must submit written comments on the AGOA modernization docket by the stated deadline using Regulations.gov, Docket Number USTR-2026-0166.
All written comments submitted in response to the notice must be in English.
Comment submitters must use the appropriate Regulations.gov docket for the notice and submit comments through the docket for USTR-2026-0166.
When submitting comments electronically, filers who include business confidential information must begin the confidential file name with 'BCI.'
Any page containing business confidential information must be clearly marked 'BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL' at the top of the page.