Summary — H.R. 106 (House Resolution): Urging renewal and expansion of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
Status
- Classification: House resolution (non‑binding)
- Introduced: August 28, 2025
- Current status: Referred to the Committee on Government Operations
- Sponsors (listed): Andy Biggs (primary), Emory Dunahoo, John Carson, Matt Dubnik, Matthew Willard
- Related measure: HCR 110 (companion)
- Action requested by the resolution: copies to be transmitted to the President, Congressional leadership, and the state's congressional delegation
Purpose and intent
- The resolution urges the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress to:
- Renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond its existing sunset; and
- Expand AGOA to include additional sub‑Saharan African countries.
- It frames AGOA as a central pillar of U.S.–sub‑Saharan Africa trade and development policy that promotes economic reform in beneficiary countries while advancing U.S. commercial and strategic interests.
Key background and facts cited in the resolution
- AGOA originally enacted in May 2000 to provide eligible sub‑Saharan African countries duty‑free access to U.S. markets for certain products (over 1,800 items beyond the Generalized System of Preferences).
- Eligibility criteria include progress toward a market‑based economy, rule of law, political pluralism, due process, removal of trade barriers, poverty reduction, anti‑corruption, and human‑rights protections.
- Potentially eligible countries: 49; actual beneficiaries have varied (31–41 from 2001–2024). In 2024 there were 32 AGOA‑eligible countries.
- AGOA has been extended several times; the resolution notes prior extensions and the program’s importance in shaping trade and reform incentives.
Key data cited on trade and economic links
- U.S. imports under AGOA: $9.3 billion (2023) and $8.0 billion (2024).
- Crude oil represented about 25% of AGOA imports in 2024; Nigeria exported approximately $1.6 billion in crude oil to the U.S. in 2024.
- Non‑energy AGOA imports include passenger vehicles, apparel, agricultural/food products, base metals, and chemicals.
- Example state impact: Michigan recorded over $1 billion in two‑way trade with AGOA‑eligible countries in 2024 (≈$440M imports; ≈$566M exports).
Provisions and legal effect
- The resolution is advisory and non‑binding — it expresses the House’s view and formally requests federal action but does not change law or AGOA’s statutory terms.
- It recommends renewing AGOA and expanding country eligibility to encourage reforms, deepen trade ties, and support U.S. businesses and African economic development.
Who would be affected / potential impact
- U.S. federal policymakers (President, Congress) — urged to act.
- AGOA‑eligible and potentially expanded sub‑Saharan countries — would gain market access incentives and reform encouragement.
- U.S. firms and workers — exporters in automotive, apparel, agriculture, metals, chemicals, and energy sectors could see changed market opportunities.
- State and local economies (example: Michigan) that have significant two‑way trade with sub‑Saharan Africa.
Procedural/timeline notes
- As a resolution, H.R. 106 must clear the House and relevant committees to be adopted; it does not itself extend AGOA. Any renewal or statutory expansion of AGOA would require separate federal legislation enacted by Congress and signed by the President.
