To Implement Certain Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and for Other Purposes

President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation taking several key actions to extend trade preferences for sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, while formally re-designating Gabon as a beneficiary country under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).The actions, authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, ensure the continuity of vital trade programs through the end of 2026 as part of the administration's broader strategy to manage reciprocal trade and regional stability.The proclamation extends several key components of the AGOA program through December 31, 2026:Duty-Free Treatment: General duty-free access for beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries.Apparel Programs: The regional apparel article program and the "third-country fabric" program—which allows for the use of yarns and fabrics from non-AGOA countries in certain apparel—are both extended to ensure supply chain stability for American retailers and African producers.In a significant diplomatic shift, the President has designated Gabon as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country, effective January 1, 2026.Context: Gabon’s beneficiary status was terminated in late 2023 due to a failure to meet eligibility requirements.Current Status: Based on recent actions by the Government of Gabon, the President determined the country now meets the necessary criteria regarding human rights, market economy progress, and the rule of law.The proclamation implements extensions and modifications for trade with Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA):Extended Deadline: Duty-free treatment for Haiti is extended through December 31, 2026.Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP): The proclamation modifies the applicable percentage limits for apparel imports from Haiti, capping them at 1.25 percent of the aggregate square meter equivalents of all apparel imported into the U.S. in the most recent 12-month period.The President utilized his authority to make a long-overdue technical correction to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The proclamation fixes a clerical error dating back to 2011, ensuring the HTSUS accurately reflects previous legislative extensions of the third-country fabric program.Delegation: Each executive department and agency is authorized to take necessary measures to implement these changes.USTR Authority: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) is tasked with making any further technical modifications to the HTSUS required to effectuate the proclamation through notices in the Federal Register.Conclusion:These trade actions reflect the administration’s commitment to using trade policy as a tool for regional development and strategic stability. By extending these programs through 2026, the President aims to provide certainty for American businesses while holding foreign partners accountable to the standards of the AGOA and CBERA frameworks.1. Extension of African Trade Preferences (AGOA)2. Reinstatement of Gabon3. Support for Haiti (CBERA)4. Technical Corrections to Trade SchedulesImplementation and Oversight