Kenyan Exporters Lobby U.S. Congress for Urgent AGOA Renewal

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.

The Latest

• 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%.

Context in Brief

• 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.

Voices and Stakeholders

• 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.

Evidence & Data

• 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.

Risks and Implications

• 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.

What We Don’t Know

• 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.

Timeline

• 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.

What to Watch

• 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.