South Africa says it is prepared for any decision by the United States regarding its continued participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as Washington reviews the country’s eligibility ahead of November 2.
Trade Minister Parks Tau said on Thursday that Pretoria remained hopeful of a favourable outcome, citing what he described as generous offers made during negotiations with the US over the past year. He said continued access to the duty-free trade programme would benefit both countries and other African partners.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since President Donald Trump assumed office, with Washington cutting aid and raising allegations of discrimination against white Afrikaners in South Africa, claims Pretoria has rejected.
South Africa is the largest beneficiary of AGOA, which has been extended until December 2028 but remains subject to annual eligibility reviews.
Under the programme’s rules, any decision to remove a country requires 60 days’ notice to Congress and the affected Government. An exclusion taking effect on January 1 must be announced by November 2.
South Africa and Parks Tau had constructively addressed Washington’s concerns but maintained that certain national principles were not open to negotiation. He added that more than 600 US companies operate in South Africa, supporting approximately 134,600 jobs.
Despite the uncertainty, the minister said the country’s economy would remain stable, as the Government continues to explore alternative export markets.