U.S. legislation, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), meant to provide sub-Saharan countries duty-free access to U.S. markets, has lapsed.

This is despite months of negotiations for a possible extension between various African countries and the Trump administration.

Countries such as Eswatini reacted to the lapse, stating, "AGOA has played a significant role in supporting thousands of jobs and livelihoods, especially within the textiles and apparel sector." 

Eswatini's government, in a statement, said the sector accounted for the majority of the US$70 million in AGOA exports. 

However, it expressed optimism under U.S. President Donald Trump's new reciprocal tariff regime of 10% to carve out a favourable trade. 

"This is the lowest in the region, making Eswatini the most favourable location for U.S.-bound exports compared to our neighbours," read the statement. 

The rest of the AGOA pact members, including Namibia, await formal communication from the U.S. government. 
AGOA was approved in 2000 and was extended in 2015 by another ten years after it completed the initial 15-year period.