MEXA Welcomes Tariff - Free Access for Mauritian Exports to the United States
Article | July 24, 2026
MEXA welcomes today's announcement by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) confirming that Mauritius has been excluded from the new Section 301 tariff measures. As a result, no US tariff will be applied to Mauritian exports to the United States as from today.
This represents a major milestone for Mauritius and its export sector, providing Mauritian exporters with a significant competitive advantage in the US market over several competing exporting countries that are now subject to additional Section 301 tariffs.
A Positive Outcome Following Successive US Trade Measures
Mauritius has been affected by a series of changes in US trade policy since April 2025. The United States initially introduced a "reciprocal tariff" under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), subjecting Mauritius to a 40% tariff, which was subsequently reduced to 15% from August 2025.
Following a ruling by the US Supreme Court on 20 February 2026 declaring the IEEPA reciprocal tariff unlawful, the US Administration introduced a temporary 10% tariff under Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974, effective 24 February 2026.
As the Section 122 measure expired on 24 July 2026, the USTR announced a new tariff framework under Section 301 of the US Trade Act. Mauritius has been excluded from these new measures, meaning that Mauritian exports are no longer subject to any additional US tariff.
A Stronger Competitive Position for Mauritian Exporters
Mauritian exports will continue to benefit from duty-free access under AGOA, while remaining free from any additional US tariff measures. This places Mauritius in a favourable competitive position compared to several major textile-producing countries.
A Result of Close Government–Private Sector Collaboration
MEXA believes this positive outcome reflects the strong collaboration between the Government and the private sector. Much credit goes to the successful joint mission to Washington D.C. in April this year, led by the Minister of Industry, with MEXA representing the private sector.
The mission enabled constructive discussions with the US Administration, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and members of the US Congress on trade relations between Mauritius and the United States. Mauritius was also privileged to engage directly with the senior leadership of the USTR, and these discussions proved highly productive.
MEXA also recognises the proactive efforts of its members in strengthening bilateral trade with the United States. Mauritian manufacturers have already begun sourcing cotton from the United States for the local textile industry, while a recent shipment of US soybean meal has also been imported for the local animal feed sector.
Looking Ahead
MEXA considers this development an important step towards strengthening Mauritius' trade relationship with the United States and encourages the Government to build on the momentum already created by pursuing discussions towards a bilateral trade agreement that would provide long-term certainty for Mauritian exporters and preserve preferential market access beyond the expiry of AGOA.
MEXA remains committed to working closely with both the Government and its members to further strengthen Mauritius' trade and investment partnership with the United States.