USA-ITA joins with several other industry groups, including the ACTIF (African Cotton and Textile Industries Federation), in asking U.S. Congress to take action as soon as possible to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2015. In 2012, Congress waited to renew AGOA until the last minute, creating uncertainty that forced some companies to cut back on orders.  The coalition hopes that this time the Congress will act early and extend the duty-free benefits for a longer time.  The groups ask for the following:  

1.       Immediate Renewal of AGOA.  
2.       Long-term Renewal of AGOA, at least fifteen years.  
3.       Extend Third Country Fabric benefits for the same length of time as full AGOA extension.  
4.       Grant Third Country Fabric Benefits to All AGOA beneficiaries

To read the full statement, click here.