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The Rwandan government has said the United States has the right to withdraw benefits of Africa Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA) Pic:Photo Courtesy
Rwanda insists on second-hand clothing ban, says U.S. can withdraw AGOA benefits
The Rwanda n government has said the United States has the right to withdraw benefits of Africa Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA), responding …
The Rwandan government has said the United States has the right to withdraw benefits of Africa Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA), responding to the suspension of its eligibility for apparel exports.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kigali signalled that it would not reverse restrictions on importation of used clothes and shoes, including those from the United States.
“The notification by the United States on suspension of duty-free status for Rwandan apparel products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA) follows a decision by East African countries to raise tariffs on second-hand clothing imports, in order to promote local manufacturing capacity in garment and other industries,” read the statement.
AGOA is a commendable unilateral gesture to African countries, including Rwanda, meant to promote trade and development through exports. The withdrawal of AGOA benefits is at the discretion of the United States.
While the decision was agreed by members of the East African community, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have since succumbed to pressure, choosing the economic benefits that accrue under AGOA.READ MORE
Source: http://www.africanews.com/