Motor Industry Association welcomes South Africa's inclusion in AGOA
The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has welcomed South Africa's inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) after its extension by the United States.
America announced earlier this week that AGOA would be extended until 31 December 2026, retroactive to September 2025, when the agreement initially expired.
MISA spokesperson Sonja Carstens said this inclusion will benefit the country's vehicle and automotive part exports.
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Carstens said the suspension of AGOA had a significant impact on the country's vehicle and part exports in 2025.
She says the exports fell by 55% to 80% year-on-year, going from R26.5 billion between January and July 2024 to R9.8 billion in 2025.
Martle Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer for Operations, said: "From the beginning of August 2025, South Africa was subjected to a 30% blanket tariff, which further increased the cost for US businesses importing vehicles from South Africa. This put South Africa at a significant disadvantage compared to other countries exporting vehicles to the United States, which only pay 25%."
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