The United States has announced plans to exclude South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade program that grants eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the American market. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the decision, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, was based on practices by the two countries deemed inconsistent with AGOA’s eligibility requirements. Greer said the concerns included barriers undermining American trade and investment, as well as practices posing threats to US national security and foreign policy interests in the region. The decision deals a blow to the two economies, particularly South Africa, which is the program’s largest beneficiary. Washington’s move comes amid deteriorating relations with Pretoria, with...