AGOA Extension Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6500
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Foreign Trade and International Finance
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-10: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 320.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T05:06:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The AGOA Extension Act (H.R. 6500) aims to prolong duty-free import benefits for goods from eligible sub-Saharan African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade program designed to promote economic growth and trade with Africa. It also extends certain customs processing fees to ensure continued funding for U.S. customs operations.
Key Provisions
- Extension of AGOA Benefits: Updates the Trade Act of 1974 and the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend duty-free or preferential treatment for imports from beneficiary African countries from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2028. This includes:
- General duty-free access for qualifying articles.
- The Regional Apparel Article Program, allowing duty-free imports of apparel made in the region for up to 24 years (previously 21 years) and extending its end date.
- The Third-Country Fabric Program, permitting duty-free imports of apparel using fabric from outside Africa or the U.S., with an updated end date.
- Retroactive Application: Allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to reprocess (reliquidate) import entries made after September 30, 2025, but before the Act's enactment, as if they qualified for AGOA benefits on the enactment date. Importers must request this within 180 days of enactment, providing entry details. Any refunds owed by the U.S. government must be paid within 90 days without interest. This applies to goods from countries designated as AGOA beneficiaries before enactment.
- Extension of Customs User Fees: Amends laws to extend merchandise processing fees (fees charged for processing imports) from September 30, 2031, to December 31, 2031. This includes fees under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Shifts AGOA's expiration from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2028, providing over three additional years of benefits and introducing retroactive relief for post-expiration imports to avoid disruptions.
- Minor adjustment to customs fees: Extends the fee collection period by three months into late 2031, ensuring uninterrupted revenue for customs services without altering fee rates.
- Expands certain AGOA sub-programs, such as increasing the apparel program's duration and updating third-country fabric rules, to align with the new end date.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: CBP will handle increased administrative tasks for reliquidations and requests, potentially straining resources short-term but stabilizing long-term trade processing. The fee extension maintains funding for customs operations without revenue gaps.
- On Citizens and Businesses: U.S. importers and consumers may benefit from lower costs on African goods (e.g., apparel, textiles) due to continued duty-free access, potentially increasing availability and affordability. African exporters gain extended market access, supporting jobs and economic development in beneficiary countries.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. trade partnerships with sub-Saharan Africa, promoting economic ties and stability in the region amid global competition for influence (e.g., from China). It could encourage more African countries to maintain eligibility by meeting AGOA criteria like human rights and economic reforms.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Beneficiary African Countries: Up to 40 sub-Saharan nations eligible under AGOA, whose exporters (e.g., in apparel and agriculture) gain prolonged U.S. market access.
- U.S. Importers and Businesses: Companies importing African goods benefit from duty savings and retroactive refunds, reducing financial risks from the prior expiration.
- U.S. Government Agencies: Primarily CBP for enforcement and processing; the U.S. Trade Representative for oversight of AGOA eligibility.
- U.S. Consumers and Workers: Indirect benefits through cheaper imports; potential competition for U.S. textile/apparel industries, though AGOA includes safeguards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The retroactive provision overrides standard tariff liquidation rules (under the Tariff Act of 1930), allowing exceptions for AGOA goods to prevent trade disruptions. This could set a precedent for handling expiring trade programs but requires clear importer compliance to avoid disputes.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate commerce and tariffs. It supports executive trade designations without altering presidential powers over beneficiary status.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for U.S.-Africa engagement, extending a program originally passed in 2000. It may influence future trade negotiations by signaling commitment to preferential treatment, though eligibility reviews could tie into broader foreign policy on governance and anti-corruption.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-10: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 320.
- 2026-02-09: Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
- 2026-01-13: Received in the Senate.
- 2026-01-12: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-01-12: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 340 - 54 (Roll no. 14). (text: CR H637) (Roll call 14)
- 2026-01-12: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 340 - 54 (Roll no. 14). (text: CR H637) (Roll call 14)
- 2026-01-12: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H646)
- 2026-01-12: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2026-01-12: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6500.
- 2026-01-12: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H637-642)
- 2026-01-12: Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-12-30: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 362.
- 2025-12-30: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-416.
- 2025-12-30: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-416.
- 2025-12-10: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 37 - 3.
Bill Versions
- AGOA Extension Act — issued 2026-01-12 — PDF (8 pages)
- AGOA Extension Act — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (5 pages)
- AGOA Extension Act — issued 2026-02-10 — PDF (8 pages)
- AGOA Extension Act — issued 2025-12-30 — PDF (8 pages)