AGOA: Mauritius Secures One Year of Preferential Access to the US Market

The extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by one year provides a reprieve for Mauritian exporters. Authorities and operators are banking on this timeframe to prepare for a future bilateral trade agreement that will ensure more stable access to the American market.

On Tuesday, February 3, the United States officially reactivated the AGOA for one year, revitalizing a key framework that allows many African products to enter the US market tariff-free. The agreement is extended until December 31, 2026, with retroactive effect from September 30, 2025, the date of its initial expiration. This extension is included in the law enacted by President Donald Trump.

U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, emphasized that "the AGOA for the 21st century must demand more from our trading partners while offering better market access to American businesses, farmers, and ranchers." He stated that the program should continue to strengthen trade between the U.S. and Africa while being modernized to align with the America First trade policy. He also noted that the USTR will soon work with relevant agencies to implement necessary adjustments to the U.S. harmonized tariff schedule resulting from this reauthorization.

The renewal of AGOA for a year is a significant relief for Mauritian exporters, according to Foreign Minister Ritish Ramful. He stated that this decision provides better visibility for economic operators. "At least for the next year, exporters now have better visibility and can plan their orders more confidently," he said.

The minister highlighted that this renewal was the result of several negotiation cycles between Mauritius and the United States, involving the Mauritian Prime Minister. "Initially, we proposed a three-year renewal to the U.S. Congress. The White House ultimately opted for one year, but it remains good news," said Ritish Ramful.

He also emphasized the importance of the retroactive effect of the measure. "All orders placed since September 2025 will be exempt from tariffs," he noted. He added that Mauritian products worth about Rs 8 billion are exported to the U.S. each year, supporting nearly a thousand jobs, primarily in the textile sector. In the long term, the Mauritian government aims to conclude a bilateral agreement with Washington. "Our goal is to provide sustainable visibility to our exporters," the minister asserted.

Did you know?

AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 1,800 products, in addition to more than 5,000 products already covered by the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). To meet AGOA's strict eligibility requirements, countries must establish or make continuous progress towards establishing a market economy, respect the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process. Additionally, they must eliminate barriers to U.S. trade and investment, adopt poverty reduction policies, combat corruption, and protect human rights.

Lilowtee Rajmun-Jooseery, Director of MEXA: "A Bilateral Agreement Would Ensure Sustainable Access to the U.S. Market"

Lilowtee Rajmun-Jooseery, the director of the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA), pointed out that the renewal of the law was the result of a long and particularly complex process, far more difficult than in previous instances. "We are relieved to have obtained this renewal, even if it is only for one year. Obviously, we hoped for a longer duration, but this year still provides some leeway," she confided. According to her, this timeframe represents a strategic window for deepening trade relations with the United States.

Now, MEXA's objective is clearly defined: to engage in discussions for a bilateral trade agreement. "This year should be sufficient to initiate negotiations with the United States around a bilateral trade agreement," asserts Lilowtee Rajmun-Jooseery. Such an agreement would provide more lasting stability than successive renewals of temporary measures. "A bilateral trade agreement would offer sustainability in terms of preferential access to the U.S. market, unlike a short-term law," she explained.

The MEXA director specified that initiatives are already underway in close collaboration with Mauritian authorities. "We have made good progress with the government, and these initiatives will, of course, be carried out jointly," she noted. Formal exchanges have already taken place, and initial feedback has been encouraging. "We have received quite positive responses from U.S. authorities, indicating that there is a genuine willingness to work together at the governmental level in favor of this bilateral relationship," she added.

François de Grivel, Industrialist: "The Renewal Should Have Been for At Least Three Years"

The renewal of AGOA for one year is seen as a positive signal by industrialist François de Grivel, although he feels this period remains insufficient to solidify trade with the United States. "The one-year AGOA renewal is very encouraging, but too short, because one year does not allow for a solid re-launch of trade with America," he emphasizes.

He believes that an ideal scenario would have been a three-year extension, as initially considered. "We should have had, as planned, until 2028. I urge the government and the entire Mauritian association to renegotiate this agreement," insists François de Grivel, reminding that a short horizon complicates long-term decision-making.

However, the industrialist acknowledges that trade with the United States has never completely ceased, despite tariff fluctuations. "There was a time when tariffs rose to 40%, then fell back to 15%," he explains. He also appreciates the retroactive effect of the renewal. "Tariffs do not apply from September 2025 to September 2026, which is a good thing." For François de Grivel, the preferred path remains strengthening bilateral relations. "We need to continue improving our trade and developing bilateral relations between Mauritius and the United States," he asserts.

Aadil Ameer Meea: "2026, a Pivotal Year for Our Exports"

The extension of AGOA until December 31, 2026, by the United States gives a limited reprieve to beneficiary countries, including Mauritius. A decision that Minister of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives, Aadil Ameer Meea, acknowledged, emphasizing that it primarily provides short-term visibility for economic operators.

While a longer extension had been discussed, Washington ultimately opted for a one-year renewal. This choice maintains exchanges within a known framework but leaves little leeway for exporters dependent on this mechanism in the medium term.

For the minister, this decision nonetheless confirms the strategic nature of trade relations between the United States and Africa. Mauritius, he reminded, continues to position itself as a reliable partner, respectful of international trade rules and committed to transparency and sustainability practices.

However, the 2026 deadline remains a point of vigilance. The government considers this extension as a pivotal period that should allow for anticipating the future of Mauritian exports. In this context, efforts should be intensified to enhance bilateral exchanges with the United States and assess the possibility of a specific trade agreement between the two countries, should AGOA not be renewed beyond this date.

Simultaneously, authorities intend to continue the strategy of market diversification and upgrading the productive apparatus, while enhancing the competitiveness of exporters in an international context marked by increased competition and constantly evolving trade rules.