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Industry calls for long-term AGOA renewal during U.S. - Africa Leaders Summit

PRESS RELEASE
By Press Club

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The American Apparel & Footwear Association and more than 20 organizations are calling for long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as African Heads of State meet with President Biden during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, December 13-15, 2022.

"AGOA’s expiration date is less than three years away. September 2025 may sound like a distant date, it is actually no time at all for the continuity, certainty, and commitment needed for our industry's supply chains to grow and thrive in the region," says AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar. "Companies are poised to diversify out of China NOW more than ever. Extending AGOA for an additional 10-year period would be incredibly impactful for companies hoping to grow commitments towards a vertical, responsible, and competitive industry in Africa over the next dozen years. "We are also at a pivotal juncture to significantly enhance the work opportunities for a traditionally underserved population – African women."

As today's letter states, "We view AGOA as a bridge to other trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). For instance, the U.S.-Kenya STIP will benefit both trading partners in many ways but must include both trade provisions and flexibilities that promote regionalization. It is critical that Kenya may still draw upon the benefits from other AGOA countries, and vice versa, AGOA countries must still be able to partner with Kenya. In the end, regionalization will encourage more countries in the region to pursue trade agreements with the U.S. and continue the growth in opportunities created by AGOA."

This continued call to action follows June 2022 testimony before the International Trade Commission and comments to the U.S. Trade Representative, as well as decades of support for strategic trade partnerships in the region.

Africa
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