Exporters of secondhand clothing and other reclaimed textiles, products that consistently rank among the top U.S. textile and apparel exports by volume. AGOA has been instrumental in ensuring fair and reciprocal trade for our industry.
When East African Community countries previously attempted to ban imports of secondhand clothing in 2016, SMART, working with the U.S. government, helped secure a reversal under AGOA. The agreement has served as both a deterrent against unfair trade practices and a reminder that access to the U.S. market is contingent upon fair treatment of U.S. goods. Without renewal at the end of September, this critical accountability mechanism would lapse, leaving U.S. exporters vulnerable to renewed restrictions. For these reasons, SMART urges swift reauthorization of AGOA to preserve open markets, support American jobs, and strengthen U.S. trade leadership in Africa.
