Burkina Faso’s Duty-Free Benefits Terminated

Trade Update • November 10, 2022

resident Biden has announced his intent to terminate Burkina Faso’s eligibility for trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as of January 1, 2023, citing concerns about rule of law in the country.

“I am taking this step because I have determined that the Government of Burkina Faso has not established, or is not making continual progress toward establishing, the protection of the rule of law and of political pluralism, as stated in the eligibility requirements of section 104 of the AGOA,” Biden said in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

To meet AGOA’s rigorous eligibility requirements, countries must establish or make continual progress toward establishing a market-based economy, the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process. Additionally, countries must eliminate barriers to U.S. trade and investment, enact policies to reduce poverty, combat corruption, and protect human rights.

Last year, Biden terminated AGOA benefits for each of Ethiopia, Guinea, and Mali because they did not meet the program’s eligibility criteria. His suspension of Ethiopia sparked criticism from some lawmakers.

Quick Facts

According to the USTR, U.S. goods imports from Burkina Faso totaled $6 million in 2019, up 17.3% from 2018, and up 182.4% from 2009. In contrast, U.S. goods exports to Burkina Faso in 2019 were $66 million, up 11.3% from 2018 and up 156.4% from 2009.

For questions about the termination of these duty-free benefits and how your goods might be affected, please contact us, we’re here to help.