[20140725]IF00041_《非洲增长和机会法案》（AGOA）.pdf

July 25, 2014 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Overview What is AGOA? AGOA, the cornerstone of U.S. trade policy toward sub-Saharan Africa since 2000, is a non-reciprocal U.S. trade preference program that provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for most exports from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. In addition to this preferential market access, the Act also requires an annual forum, known as the AGOA Forum, held between U.S. and AGOA country officials to discuss trade-related issues. Additionally, AGOA provides direction to select U.S. government agencies regarding their trade and investment support activities in the region. What countries are eligible? AGOA lists 49 sub-Saharan African countries that are potential candidates for AGOA benefits. AGOA eligibility criteria address issues such as trade and investment policy, governance, and worker rights, among other issues, which countries must satisfy to be beneficiaries of the AGOA preferences. The President annually reviews and determines each countrys AGOA eligibility. There are currently 41 AGOA-eligible countries. This includes Madagascar, whose eligibility was reinstated in June, as well as Swaziland, wh