Washington, DC, U.S.: The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) has applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation on January 12 to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for one year. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 340–54, underscoring the importance of predictable and open trade relationships with African partner countries.
“This is an important and positive step for U.S. textile reuse exporters, and the millions of workers and consumers supported by global reuse markets,” said SMART’s Vice President of Government and External Affairs Jessica Franken. “AGOA plays a critical role in preserving duty-free access for U.S. exports, including secondhand clothing, while reinforcing fair and transparent trade rules with our partners.”
AGOA has long supported U.S. exporters of secondhand clothing and other textile reuse products by maintaining open market access and providing trade certainty. Continued duty-free treatment under AGOA helps protect U.S. jobs, strengthens supply chains, and advances environmental and economic sustainability by extending the life of textiles through global reuse and recycling.
The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. SMART urges the Senate to act promptly to advance the extension and provide continuity for U.S. exporters and trading partners.
“SMART looks forward to working with policymakers to ensure timely Senate consideration and to advocate for longer-term trade certainty for the textile reuse industry,” Franken added.
