Madagascar Loses AGOA Benefits
Madagascar has been removed from the list of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beneficiary countries. As reported by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), President Barack Obama withdrew benefits in response to a recent coup in Madagascar and what the U.S. government perceived as a lack of progress toward restoring the democratic process in the country.
The benefits were withdrawn for all products entered into the United States as of January 1, 2010. U.S. apparel imports from Madagascar totaled $229 million for the year ending October 2009. President Obama's proclamation can be reversed at any time, restoring benefits to the country. Obama also withdrew AGOA benefits for Guinea and Niger and made Mauritania eligible for full lesser-developed country (LDC) benefits under AGOA.
