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Kenyan apparel exporter Pankaj Bedi joined other African manufacturers in Washington to urge U.S. lawmakers to extend the duty-free AGOA programme, warning that its expiry would raise tariffs from 10 percent to 43 percent and jeopardise thousands of Kenyan jobs.
Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-17 14:30 EAT. Kenyan apparel exporter Pankaj Bedi and African manufacturers have mounted a final lobbying campaign in Washington, D.C., pressing the U.S. Congress to extend the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) before its September 30 expiry.
Delegations from Kenya and four other countries held 30+ meetings with Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Bipartisan support exists for a 1–2 year extension, but it is uncertain if renewal can be passed in time.
Failure to extend AGOA would trigger tariffs on Kenyan textiles rising from 10% to 43%.
AGOA, enacted in 2000, grants duty-free access for African exports to the U.S. market.
Supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across textiles, automotive, and mining sectors in Africa.
Political gridlock and trade policy shifts under President Donald Trump have delayed renewal decisions.
Pankaj Bedi, United Aryan Chairman: “It’s like a house of cards that will collapse” if AGOA lapses, warning of factory closures and job losses.
U.S. lawmakers: Expressed bipartisan willingness but cited legislative timing challenges.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers: Urging Nairobi to intensify diplomatic outreach in Washington.
Tariff impact: Synthetic textile duties would surge to 43% without AGOA.
Job exposure: Thousands employed in EPZ apparel factories risk layoffs.
Trade flows: Kenya exports >$500M in apparel annually under AGOA.
Economic shock: Factory closures, job losses, and regional trade declines likely without renewal.
Geopolitical: Risk of African exports shifting to Asia, weakening U.S.–Africa trade ties.
Diplomatic pressure: Kenya may pivot to EU or Asian markets if AGOA lapses.
Whether Congress will attach AGOA renewal to an upcoming spending bill.
Possible White House support for emergency extension legislation.
Long-term U.S.–Africa trade framework post-AGOA.
2000: AGOA enacted under President Bill Clinton.
2015: AGOA renewed for ten years, expiring Sept 2025.
Sept 2025: Final month before potential lapse without Congressional action.
Congressional votes on AGOA renewal riders in September.
Possible White House executive action if Congress fails to act.
African Union trade diplomacy with U.S. counterparts.
