twitter Facebook Linkedin acp Contact Us

US and African textiles groups appeal for renewal of AGOA

The associations appealing to the US Congress have suggested renewing the third-country fabric provision for the entire term of the AGOA. (Image source: Potjie/Flickr)

Textiles and garments associations in the USA and Africa have appealed to the American Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides certain goods from African companies trade preferences in the US market

According to a joint statement, the petition was filed by the National Retail Federation, the African Cotton and Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and the United States Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA).

AGOA, which came into effect in 2000, originally covered an eight-year period. But some amendments were made in 2004 that extended the term of this act to 2015. The act extends to all apparel manufacturers, brands and retailers in the African continent and the US.

As a result of this act, more than 300,000 direct jobs were reportedly created in Africa's textiles and garments industry and also aided the US apparels manufacturing and retail industry.

The National Retail Federation said, “The AGOA must be renewed ideally during 2013, but no later than 2014, as sourcing decisions are made many months in advance. Renewal needs to occur soon for it to be truly seamless.”

The federation added that renewing this act as late as 2015 may discourage new investments and sourcing of materials in the US and African textiles industry.

The associations appealing to the US Congress have suggested to renew the AGOA for a period of 15 years, along with the renewal of the third-country fabric provision for the entire term of the act. Under this provision, beneficiary countries are allowed to source inputs like textiles designs and chemicals used in the manufacturing process, from nations that are not part of the AGOA.

The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)

GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)

The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)

ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)

The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)

Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)

Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)

IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)

The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)

Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Evolving concept of energy security must address energy demand, system flexibility, technology access and infrastructure development, says IRENA. (Image source: IRENA)

World Bank & African Development Bank partner to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, leveraging public-private investments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

At WFES, Gotion High-tech will showcase its latest products and leading green energy solutions at its booth. (Image source: Gotion High-tech)

The new Perkins 5012 is a full-authority electronic engine optimised and purpose-built for power generation applications. (Image source: Perkins)

SSAB will begin deliveries of the new products in 2026.

The key issues restricting sub-Saharan Africa’s manufacturing sector will be unpacked at Manufacturing Indaba later this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hyphen is developing sub-Saharan Africa’s largest, most advanced and only fully-vertical integrated green hydrogen project. (Image source: Hyphen)

According to Liebherr, the Used Equipment Marketplace is extremely user-friendly. (Image source: Liebherr)

Electricity storage will be pivotal in unlocking renewable projects and meeting energy demand. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa Data Centres and DPA SA have broken ground on their solar farm in the Free State. (Image source: Africa Data Centres)

A Cat PM310 Cold Planer in action. (Image source: Caterpillar)

A larger stockholding of WEG products facilitates ready access for customers. (Image source: WEG Africa)

African nations have turned to the concept of power pools to address the continent's energy deficit and foster regional cooperation. (Image source: Synergy Consulting)

Dietmar Siersdorfer is expanding his role as Middle East managing director at Siemens Energy to include Africa. (Image source: Siemens Energy)

The Msikaba Bridge has anchor blocks 17 m wide which contain around 21,000 tons of concrete. (Image source: Sanral)