SA to remain part of Agoa, assures Tau
Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau is confident that South Africa will not lose its duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).
Tau addressed the media on Tuesday following his visit to Washington DC last week.
There has been some concern in the business sector that South Africa could be cut from Agoa due to the perception in the US that Pretoria is too friendly with US enemies, Russia, China and Iran, and is hostile to Israel.
African states are pushing for an urgent renewal of Agoa, which expires in 14 months, amid fears that the US elections in November could see a return of former president Donald Trump to the White House.
"We are confident that South Africa will stay in Agoa,” Tau said on Wednesday.
“There's no proposal that suggests the exclusion of South Africa at this stage.”
Tau said engagements he undertook while in Washington underscored the country’s commitment to pursuing strategic partnerships.
"Mutual, beneficial economic partnership is highlighted by the more than 600 businesses operating in South Africa, which have created over 1.3 million jobs in South Saharan Africa.
"Proposals presented by our delegation included extending Agoa for stability, improving rules of origin, and adjusting the eligibility review process to preserve regional value chains and enhance Africa's manufacturing capability.”
Tau added that Agoa has expanded Africa's access to the United States markets, which is in line with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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