Ethiopia, Oct. 14 -- U.S. President Joe Biden recently threatened to impose sanctions on Ethiopia due to the conflict in Tigray. If Washington follows through and removes preferential trade arrangements under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Ethiopia's fledgling manufacturing sector could face an existential threat.

While many people around the world share the U.S. government's concern about "the peace, security, and stability of Ethiopia and the greater Horn of Africa region," Ethiopians are dismayed by the threat of withdrawal of AGOA trade privileges. Whatever concerns one may have about the security situation in Ethiopia today, removal of AGOA eligibility would only worsen the condition of ordinary Ethiopians who have n...