House · HR 6500 · 119th Congress

AGOA Extension Act

Summary

This bill extends a program that lets most goods from 32 African countries enter the United States without import taxes. The extension runs through December 31, 2028. It also refunds taxes paid on goods that came in after the program briefly expired.

In Favor

This bill keeps trade flowing between the U.S. and African nations. Without it, African exporters face sudden import taxes that cut into jobs and income in poorer countries. Keeping the program active supports economic growth in Africa and gives U.S. businesses steady access to lower-cost goods.

Against

Each extension delays a full review of whether this program still works as intended. U.S. industries that make similar goods compete against tax-free imports with no relief. Short extensions also create uncertainty for businesses on both sides who need longer planning horizons.

Additional Considerations

Purpose & Problem

Is the problem real and worth federal action?

This bill extends duty-free access to the U.S. market for goods from eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa through December 31, 2028. It targets a gap caused by the program expiring on September 30, 2025.

Scope & Related Provisions

Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?

The bill extends the Africa trade program and also extends customs user fees and merchandise processing fees through December 31, 2031. Both extensions appear in the bill's stated purpose.

Who Is Affected

Who benefits, and who bears the cost?

Importers bringing goods from up to 32 eligible African countries benefit from continued duty-free treatment. U.S. businesses and travelers who pay customs user fees continue to bear those fees through 2031.

Cost & Funding

Is it affordable and responsibly funded?

The bill authorizes duty-free treatment, which reduces tariff revenue the federal government would otherwise collect. It also extends existing customs user fees, which generate revenue for the government. No dollar amount or cost estimate appears in the sources.

Risks & Implementation

What could go wrong in practice?

Importers who shipped goods between October 1, 2025, and the bill's enactment must file a refund request within 180 days. U.S. Customs and Border Protection must locate or reconstruct each qualifying entry to process refunds within 90 days.

For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.

AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026