AGOA Set to Expire Sept. 30 — Kenyan Apparel Exports and Jobs at Risk

🔍 Key Facts

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is set to expire on Sept. 30, putting Kenyan apparel exports and related jobs at risk.
Kenyan apparel exports to the U.S. have grown from about $50 million when AGOA began to roughly $500 million today, according to a Kenyan factory owner.
If AGOA lapses Kenyan exporters would face U.S. tariffs (about 10% applied to many non‑AGOA exports), undermining competitiveness — Pankaj Bedi, owner of United Aryan in Nairobi, warned there is 'zero chance to compete' with Asian exporters if AGOA ends.
President William Ruto has urged renewal of AGOA and said bilateral talks with the U.S. have made 'good progress' toward a deal that could be signed by year‑end.
Researchers at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability cautioned that ending AGOA and keeping tariffs in place would have 'notable adverse effects' for other African economies such as Nigeria and Lesotho.

The U.S. administration announced a 50% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and associated products.
The U.S. administration announced a 30% tariff on imported upholstered furniture.
Lower-cost furniture sold in the United States is commonly imported from countries in South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia and India.
Prices for living room, kitchen and dining room furniture in the U.S. rose 9.5% from August 2024 to August 2025, according to CPI data.
Both sets of tariffs were announced to take effect on October 1.
U.S. prices for furniture and bedding rose 4.7% from August 2024 to August 2025, and prices for household furnishings and supplies rose 2.8% over the same period, according to CPI data.
The United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact (USMCA) is a trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

X users highlight how African countries like Uganda have underutilized AGOA, exporting far less than potential compared to Kenya or Nigeria, emphasizing the need for better global competitiveness rather than relying on preferences.
Discussions on X point out the gender equity benefits of AGOA in the textile sector, noting that suspensions or expirations disproportionately affect women workers who form a large part of the workforce in countries like Ethiopia and Kenya.
Many X posts compare Kenya's apparel exports under AGOA to global leaders like Bangladesh, arguing that African nations should focus on becoming more competitive internationally instead of protectionist policies.
X conversations stress the shift in trade benefits, such as Kenya gaining billions in earnings after Ethiopia's AGOA suspension, suggesting that political stability influences access to such deals.
Users on X advocate for diversifying beyond AGOA by leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and domestic markets, as seen in Nigeria's focus on internal consumption of textiles rather than exports.

Based on 2 sources

The Christian Science Monitor by Jack Denton and Desmond Tiro September 30, 2025

New information:

Kenyan apparel exports to the U.S. rose from about $50 million when AGOA began to roughly $500 million today (figures cited by Kenyan factory owner).
Direct quotes and sourcing: Pankaj Bedi, owner of United Aryan in Nairobi, warned 'zero chance to compete' with Asian exporters if AGOA lapses; President William Ruto urged renewal and said bilateral talks with the U.S. had made 'good progress' toward a deal that could be signed by year‑end.
Specific U.S. tariff detail noted: 10% applied to many non‑AGOA exports (Kenya already paying 10% on non‑AGOA exports).
Research note: German Institute of Development and Sustainability researchers flagged 'notable adverse effects' for economies like Nigeria and Lesotho if AGOA ends and tariffs remain.

ABC News September 30, 2025