ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8468ProclamationObama · D Quiet signal

Proclamation 8468

To Take Certain Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act

President Obama designated Mauritania as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under AGOA with lesser-developed country status, while terminating the AGOA beneficiary status of Guinea, Madagascar, and Niger effective January 1, 2010, citing their lack of continual progress in meeting eligibility requirements. The proclamation modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to reflect these changes.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 69229

Impact dates

  1. Termination of Guinea, Madagascar, Niger beneficiary status takes effect; HTS modifications removing these countries take effect

Key directives

  • Designate Mauritania as eligible sub-Saharan African country and beneficiary sub-Saharan African country
  • Designate Mauritania as lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African country for AGOA section 112(c) apparel benefits
  • Terminate Guinea, Madagascar, and Niger as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries effective January 1, 2010
  • Modify HTS general note 16(a) to add Mauritania to beneficiary list
  • Modify HTS general note 16(a) and note 2(d) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 to remove Guinea, Madagascar, and Niger

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation signed December 23, 2009
  • Mauritania designated as eligible and beneficiary country

Near term (90d)

  • Termination of Guinea, Madagascar, Niger designations effective January 1, 2010
  • HTS modifications take effect January 1, 2010

Long term

  • Mauritania gains preferential trade access to U.S. market under AGOA
  • Guinea, Madagascar, Niger lose AGOA tariff preferences until potential reinstatement

Risks & tensions

  • Economic disruption for Guinea, Madagascar, and Niger exporters losing preferential U.S. market access
  • Potential political friction with three African governments over determination of inadequate progress
  • Apparel sector in Mauritania may face implementation challenges to utilize new lesser-developed country benefits
Proclamation 8468: To Take Certain Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act · Executive Orders