South Africa ‘Ready’ for US Trade Decision

South Africa says it is prepared for any decision by the United States on its continued participation in a duty-free African trade programme, while expressing hope that Washington will maintain its access.

Trade Minister Parks Tau told reporters in Johannesburg on Thursday that Pretoria was ready for the outcome expected on November 2 concerning its eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

“We are ready, whatever the decision,” Tau told reporters. 

The programme, which has been extended until December 2028, allows eligible African countries to export certain goods to the United States without paying duties and is subject to annual reviews.

Tau said the South African government expected Washington to respond positively to proposals it had presented during negotiations over the past year, arguing that continued trade cooperation would benefit both countries and their African partners.

Relations between Washington and Pretoria have worsened since President Donald Trump returned to office, with the United States cutting aid and Trump confronting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over claims of a “white genocide” against white South Africans.

Pretoria has rejected the allegations.

South Africa, the largest beneficiary of AGOA, faces growing scrutiny from Washington over its policies and its treatment of white Afrikaners.

Last year, the United States introduced a resettlement programme for white Afrikaners who claim they face persecution and violent crime in South Africa.

By September 30, Washington had admitted 16,287 South Africans through the programme over the preceding year. They were the only group granted refugee status by the United States during that period, apart from five Afghans.

The US president reviews AGOA eligibility annually. Removing a country requires 60 days’ notice to Congress and the affected government, meaning an exclusion intended to take effect on January 1 must be announced by November 2.

Tau said South Africa had responded constructively to the concerns raised by Washington but maintained that certain national principles could not be compromised during negotiations.

He added that Pretoria remained willing to consider practical measures to increase trade and investment between the two countries.

The minister described the United States as an important economic partner, noting that more than 600 American companies operate in South Africa and support about 134,600 jobs.

Tau said South Africa’s economy would remain stable regardless of Washington’s decision, as the government continued efforts to diversify its export markets.