Support for renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act was a key message during PPAI’s Legislative Education and Action Day in 2025 and 2026, and we have good news to report: Congress is on the verge of approving an extension through December 31, 2028.

ICYMI: LEAD 2026: Taking Our Message To Capitol Hill

AGOA has provided American businesses with stable, duty-free market access to goods from qualifying sub-Saharan African countries for over 25 years. This trade preference program is particularly important to SanMar, PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier, which has a continued presence in Africa through its factory partnerships and programs, including internships in Tanzania since 2023.

Both chambers of Congress have demonstrated overwhelming bipartisan support for this program:


Now, a single House vote is needed to approve the amended bill, and send it to the president for signature. With the help of our partners in Washington, PPAI sent a letter this week supporting swift passage of the final bill, which now includes a broader short-term funding measure for the federal government.

Predictable trade policies and access to diverse global supply chains are critical for the branded merchandise industry and the millions of Americans whose livelihoods depend on it. Extending AGOA would provide much needed certainty for businesses while supporting U.S. jobs across shipping, warehousing, design, printing, embroidery and product decoration, says Alok Bhat, market economist and PPAI’s research and public affairs lead. 

“The products our members import are often transformed and customized in the United States, creating significant economic activity and supporting communities nationwide,” Bhat adds. “Extending AGOA would provide much-needed certainty for businesses while supporting American jobs, strengthening supply chains and enhancing U.S. competitiveness.”

How You Can Help

Renewal of AGOA would mark an important win for PPAI, and we will continue to ask for a longer-term renewal, which would provide important stability and predictability for American businesses with ties to the continent – including many distributors who may not be aware of the benefits they experience because of AGOA.

In addition to PPAI’s own letter to support the AGOA Extension Act, we encourage you to reach out to your representative to support the bill. Look up your House member, then click on the representative’s name to load their website, then look for a “Contact” tab or button at the top or bottom of the page.

Here’s a sample script you can adapt for your call or email:

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent in [ZIP CODE]. I work with [COMPANY NAME] in the branded merchandise industry, and I’m [calling/writing] to urge you to support final passage of H.R.6500, which includes the AGOA Extension Act.

This trade program has provided American businesses with stable, duty-free market access to goods from qualifying sub-Saharan African countries for over 25 years. That means AGOA supports thousands of U.S. small businesses by keeping core goods affordable and supply chains stable. Renewing AGOA will help keep businesses like mine competitive and able to deliver the customized goods other American businesses rely on to grow their brands.

I urge you to vote yes on final passage of the AGOA Extension Act. Thank you.

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Look to PPAI Media for timely updates throughout the year, as well as opportunities to raise your voice in support of industry priorities. Subscribe to Newslink to stay up to date with industry news and advocacy opportunities:

Please contact Rachel Zoch, CAS, PPAI’s public affairs manager, at rachelz@ppai.org if you have any questions about regulatory issues or government affairs.