Uganda’s Exports to the U.S. Rise Despite AGOA Suspension as ELGSU Pursues Readmission and Market Diversification

Uganda’s exports to the United States have continued to grow strongly despite the country’s suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as government intensifies diplomatic and technical efforts to regain preferential access and ease the tax burden on Ugandan products.

AGOA, a preferential trade arrangement that allows eligible Sub-Saharan African countries to export selected goods to the U.S. market duty-free, was withdrawn from Uganda effective January 1, 2024. The decision, announced through an Executive Order by U.S. President Joe Biden dated December 29, 2023, cited what was described as “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.” Uganda was delisted alongside the Central African Republic, Gabon and Niger.

The move meant that Ugandan exports to the U.S. would no longer enjoy duty-free entry and would instead attract tariffs, estimated at an average of about 15 percent, raising fears that the country’s products would become less competitive in one of its key high-value markets.

Figures from the United States International Trade Commission now show that Uganda’s exports to the U.S. have expanded significantly. Total exports rose from USD 109.3 million in 2024 year-to-date to USD 167.9 million in 2025 year-to-date, an increase of over 53 percent despite the loss of AGOA preferences.

Coffee remained Uganda’s leading export to the U.S., climbing from USD 74.1 million in 2024 to USD 106.2 million in 2025. Cocoa posted the most dramatic growth, surging from about USD 454,200 to USD 33.7 million, reflecting increased production, stronger global demand and improved market access arrangements by exporters.

Other products that recorded notable growth include bananas, which rose from USD 1.5 million to USD 1.74 million; vanilla, from USD 9.45 million to USD 11.12 million; vegetables, from USD 193,509 to USD 615,643; and gelatin, from USD 195,400 to USD 655,902. These trends point to expanding opportunities for Uganda’s agricultural and agro-processed goods in the U.S. market, even under a tariff regime.

At the same time, some commodities registered declines, including fish, flowers, oil seeds, oil cake and casein, indicating that the loss of duty-free access and higher costs are already affecting the competitiveness of certain value chains.

The Head of the Export-Led Growth Strategy Unit (ELGSU) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Trade, Ms. Suzan Muhwezi, said the data demonstrates both the resilience of Uganda’s exporters and the importance of restoring preferential access.

“The growth we are seeing, particularly in coffee and cocoa, shows that Uganda’s products remain attractive in the U.S. market because of quality, consistency and rising global demand,” Muhwezi said.

“However, the tariffs introduced after our suspension from AGOA inevitably reduce competitiveness for some products. This is why government is actively engaging with the U.S. to address the concerns raised and to pursue readmission so that our exporters can again benefit from duty-free access.”

She emphasized that as a country, we cannot afford to abandon the U.S. market or the opportunity presented by AGOA, noting that the United States remains one of the world’s largest consumer markets and a strategic destination for Uganda’s value-added exports.

“We continue diplomatic and technical engagement aimed at restoring Uganda’s AGOA status and, in the interim, working to lower the cost burden on our exports. We are also strengthening the competitiveness of our products through value addition, standards, branding and productivity, while also accelerating access to alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and within Africa.”

“Preferential arrangements like AGOA are important, and we are committed to regaining them. The long-term solution lies in building a diversified, value-added export base that can compete globally.” Muhwezi noted