ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9388ProclamationObama · D

Proclamation 9388

To Take Certain Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act

President Obama suspended duty-free treatment for all AGOA-eligible agricultural goods from South Africa effective March 15, 2016, determining that South Africa was not meeting AGOA eligibility requirements. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule was modified to reflect this suspension.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 1851

Impact dates

  1. Suspension of duty-free treatment for South African agricultural goods takes effect

Key directives

  • Suspend duty-free treatment for all AGOA-eligible agricultural goods from South Africa
  • Modify HTS to reflect suspension
  • Supersede inconsistent prior proclamations and Executive Orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation issued January 11, 2016

Near term (90d)

  • Duty-free suspension takes effect March 15, 2016
  • HTS modifications implemented

Long term

  • South Africa's AGOA beneficiary status remains under review
  • Potential restoration of benefits contingent on compliance

Risks & tensions

  • Trade friction with key African partner
  • Potential retaliation from South Africa
  • U.S. agricultural import costs may rise
Proclamation 9388: To Take Certain Actions Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act · Executive Orders