USAID offers locals tips for exporting to America

April 25, 2017 in Business, Markets, Trade & Industry by Editor

April 25–For Ugandan entrepreneurs still frustrated about exporting to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a new guide has been published to show them how to do it. However, the guide assumes that the exporter or potential exporter has already conducted the necessary market research, and is ready to export.

The Nairobi-based USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, has put together a 20-page booklet, AGOA 101 Uganda, that lays out the step-by-step process interested parties and individuals should take to get their items into the American market duty-free under AGOA.

On a number of occasions Ugandan business people have expressed open despair at what they consider the complicated procedures involved with exploiting AGOA which was first crafted by the Clinton administration, but implemented under President George W. Bush. Last year, President Obama helped push for an extension until 2025, but there are fears President Trump may not be as enthusiastic about AGOA as his predecessors. Trump has already indicated he wants cuts in the USAID budget.

The new booklet is essential reading and is available in soft copy online. Apart from helping to deepen regional integration, the Hub has the job of assisting in increasing the competitiveness of select regional agriculture value chains and promote two-way trade with the US.

The booklet focuses on textiles and apparel, floriculture, home décor and fashion accessories, footwear and specialty foods. It also offers useful information on how to ensure safe and reliable shipments of  coffee,  fish, casein, vanilla,  dried fruits and  Shea butter.