Botswana Diamond Exports Return to 0% U.S. Tariff as Section 122 Duties Expire
Botswana’s exports to the United States, including its globally renowned natural diamonds, have regained duty-free access following the expiry of temporary U.S. tariffs on 24 July 2026.
The expiration of the Section 122 tariffs under the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 means Botswana-origin products now face a 0% tariff while continuing to benefit from preferential market access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The development removes an immediate tariff-related risk that had weighed on Botswana’s exports to the U.S. market.
Botswana had previously faced a temporary 10% tariff following changes to U.S. trade policy. However, unlike several other countries, it was not included in ongoing Section 301 investigations related to forced labour practices or excess production capacity.
Despite the relief, uncertainty remains over the future of Botswana’s preferential access to the U.S. market.
AGOA, which provides eligible African countries with duty-free access for thousands of products, is scheduled to expire on 31 December 2026, with discussions over its renewal expected to intensify in the U.S. Congress later this year.
Officials have also identified developments in India as a major commercial risk for Botswana’s diamond industry.
India currently faces a 10% tariff on exports to the U.S., while the possibility of additional trade measures could create further uncertainty across the global diamond value chain.
For Botswana, maintaining tariff-free access to the U.S. will remain a priority as the country seeks to protect its diamond exports and broader trade interests.
The government is therefore expected to closely monitor U.S. trade policy and developments affecting major participants in the global diamond market, particularly as negotiations over AGOA and wider tariff arrangements continue.
