Experts have expressed doubts that the US's expired African Growth and Opportunity Act AGOA will receive a fresh lease of life despite persistent reports that the Trump administration is considering an extension.
AGOA, which has provided eligible sub-Saharan African nations with duty-free access to the US since its enactment in 2000, was allowed to expire on September 30, ending trade preferences for 32 countries.
In late September, South Africa's trade minister Parks Tau said he was optimistic that AGOA would be renewed. His office suggested that there was "broad support for the renewal of AGOA the African Growth and Opportunity Act in Congress across the aisle".