The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Summary of Specific Negotiating Objectives that builds on the AGOA agreement. As expressed in the document, the idea is "to negotiate reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade agreements that serve the interests of both the United States and the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Our vision is to conclude an agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional agreements in Africa, leading to a network of agreements that contribute to Africa’s regional integration objectives. In addition, our goal is to conclude an agreement that builds on the objectives of AGOA and will serve as an enduring foundation to expand U.S.-Africa trade and investment across the continent."

The agreement is a shift from multilaterial agreements to bilateral agreements by the US and this agreement will be the first of such in Africa. The USTR has already solicited for comments on the document received over 5000.

The US International Trade Commission has in turn issued an notice to institute investigations and schedule hearings on the U.S.- Kenya Trade Agreement to find out the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports. The details of the meetings can be found in the Advice below. Due to Covid-19 they will be held online.

The Ministry of Industrialisation has already set up a secretariat to study the issue and draft proposals.

Documents

USTR Summary of Specific Negotiating Objectives

ITC Advice on the Probable Economic Effect of Providing Duty-free Treatment for Currently Dutiable Imports