South African relations with the US take a positive turn
South African relations with the US took a positive turn this week with the news we’re still eligible for lucrative trade benefits.
South African relations with the US took a positive turn this week after an updated African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) list was released. As reported by Business Tech, despite feared tensions between the countries, the Office of the United States’ Trade Representatives has endorsed South Africa. It still lists us as one of 32 eligible AGOA nations in 2024.
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2023 was not the easiest road for South African relations with the US, as the ANC found itself at odds with America on several major political matters. First there were allegations from US Ambassador Reuben Brigerty that Russia had received arms from South Africa. This was followed by the South African-backed BRICS + expansion which welcomed the likes of Iran into the partnership.
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SOUTH AFRICAN RELATIONS WITH THE US
According to the US Trade Representative Office, South Africa will maintain its AGOA benefits in 2024. This is particularly beneficial to South African agriculture and vehicle manufacturing, which benefits in the billions from the agreement.
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It’s understood that AGOA is set to expire in September 2025. However, sources close to the US say a ‘preliminary agreement’ is in place for the benefits to continue for at least another decade, to 2035.
POLITICAL TENSIONS
Not all African nations were able to maintain AGOA status in 2024. The likes of Ethiopia, Somalia, Cameroon and Zimbabwe (among others) have been deemed ineligible. To be eligible for AGOA, there are strict requirements. For example, African countries must continue to work towards a market-based economy, eliminate barriers to US trade and reduce poverty.
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Likewise, countries must combat corruption and bribery, and may not engage in activities that undermine US national security or foreign policy interests. Only time will tell if South Africa’s decision to haul Israel – a key US ally – before the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide will invoke the last point.
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