US to Suspend South Africa from AGOA in 2027: About 1.7 Billion Dollars of Exports Affected, Pretoria Prepared and Open to Talks
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has announced that the United States will suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) effective January 1, 2027, saying both countries failed to meet the act's eligibility criteria.
South African exports enjoying AGOA preferences are worth about 1.6 to 1.7 billion US dollars, including cars and farm products, a significant part of the country's exports to the United States. South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said last week it had prepared for a negative outcome while remaining open to dialogue with Washington.
President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier said South Africa must prepare for being cut out of AGOA and has already begun seeking new markets and trade deals, including with China. Traders will watch whether Washington and Pretoria can reach a new arrangement before the suspension takes effect in 2027.
(Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative)
Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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