The third-country fabric provision expires in September, taking with it the competitiveness of AGOA's 40 African members in the textile sector. For Botswana, where the numbers of AGOA textile exporters have pared down over the years to just one, the expiry of this provision would be a death knell.
While the US is by no means the local textile sector's sole target market, it represents the richest and most sought-after by producers. AGOA adds further lustre to the market by providing duty- and quota- free access to the US, while participating firms benefit from invaluable confidence and goodwill among other clients by being able to claim US-export quality goods. While the US Congress is due to decide on one of its member's motion to renew the provision, there are some indications that the long-running animosity between Republicans and Democrats could scupper this effort. Should renewal fail by September, Botswana's textile sector will become grossly uncompetitive in terms of US exports, with AGOA's original intentions lying defeated and the future of thousands of workers uncertain.
