Ethiopia
Ethiopia's trade ministry said on Monday it is unhappy with the Biden administration’s decision to revoke duty-free access for the country's exports.
The US terminated on December 23rd Ethiopia's eligibility for benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act(AGOA) citing its disapproval of the war in the Tigray region.
On Monday, Ethiopia's trade ministry said it was saddened over the decision and asked the Biden administration to reconsider it.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act
The trade agreement provides sub-Saharan African nations duty-free access to the United States on the condition they meet certain requirements, including eliminating barriers to U.S. trade and making progress toward political pluralism.
In recent years, Ethiopia had one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. However, because of the war, some Ethiopian companies are already showing signs of a downturn in their export business.
The nearly yearlong war opposing the military to the Tigray People's Liberation Front has displaced some estimated 1.7 million people.
The US action also stops Guinea and Mali from receiving the trade benefits as of January 1.
01:35
US Envoy: No political will to end Sudan's war
01:30
Gaza war: What's next after new US veto on ceasefire draft resolution?
00:51
US actress Viola Davis to receive Golden Globes’ Cecil B. DeMille Award
Go to video
US vetoes UN resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza for 4th time
00:58
Somaliland opposition leader wins presidential poll
01:32
Boos and questions after Jake Paul, 27, beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson