Exporting to the USA with AGOA – Duty-Free Access from Madagascar

What is AGOA?

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a U.S. trade program enacted in 2000 that provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the American market for over 6,500 product lines. This includes a broad category of textile and apparel goods, which are often subject to high tariffs when sourced elsewhere.

Key goals of AGOA:

Promote economic growth in Africa through trade
Provide U.S. companies with cost-effective sourcing options
Encourage long-term trade and investment partnerships

Madagascar: A Certified AGOA Beneficiary

Madagascar regained its AGOA eligibility in 2014 after making significant strides in political and economic reforms. As a result, manufacturers based in Madagascar — like Festival Factory — can export qualified products to the United States duty-free (excludes tariffs).

For U.S. importers, this creates a rare opportunity to benefit from:

Zero-duty imports on qualifying apparel
Shorter shipping lead times compared to Asian markets
Ethical labor standards and transparent supply chains

What Products Qualify Under AGOA?

AGOA supports a wide range of eligible products, but apparel and costume goods manufactured in Madagascar are particularly well-positioned to benefit under the program.

Festival Factory specializes in AGOA-eligible categories such as:

Costume apparel for events, parades, and festivals
Uniforms and branded wear
Fashion garments for mass retail
Children’s dress-up wear

We handle the AGOA documentation and compliance process, so our U.S. clients can focus on growth and marketing, not red tape.

Compliance and Documentation Made Simple

To take advantage of AGOA benefits, shipments must meet rules of origin requirements and be accompanied by specific documentation such as:

Certificate of Origin
AGOA Visa Stamp
Commercial invoice with qualifying product codes

At Festival Factory, our export and logistics team is experienced in preparing all necessary paperwork to ensure full compliance with AGOA rules. We work closely with customs brokers and freight forwarders to make sure your goods clear U.S. customs quickly and without delays.

Why Choose Madagascar Over Other Sourcing Hubs?

While many U.S. importers default to Asian factories for cost reasons, Madagascar offers unique advantages:

AGOA tariff exemption (vs. 17–32% U.S. apparel duties from non-AGOA nations)
Shorter supply chains to the U.S. East Coast
Ethical labor practices and social compliance
French and English-speaking support teams

With Festival Factory, you gain the benefit of small-batch flexibility, custom design services, and fast turnaround times—all while remaining price-competitive.

Real-World Applications for U.S. Importers

AGOA-based sourcing is ideal for:

Small fashion brands needing low-MOQ manufacturing with better margins
Retail chains looking to diversify their supply base and reduce dependency on Asia
E-commerce brands that value speed, quality, and ethical sourcing
Event supply companies ordering seasonal costumes or uniforms

Our clients use AGOA benefits to reinvest savings in marketing, inventory, or product development—giving them a powerful edge in crowded markets.

Get Started with AGOA-Supported Manufacturing

We’ve helped dozens of U.S. businesses maximize AGOA benefits while enjoying Festival Factory’s:

Full-service product development
Transparent pricing
Fast production cycles
Logistics support and customs coordination

If you’re sourcing from China or South Asia, now’s the time to rethink your supply chain. Madagascar, under AGOA, offers a smarter, leaner path to growth.

Contact Us Today

Whether you’re placing your first order or looking to shift existing production to Madagascar, our team is ready to help. Let us walk you through how AGOA can reduce your landed costs and streamline your operations.

AGOA – Duty-Free Shipping to the United States