Ramaphosa Prepares South Africa for Possible AGOA Exclusion

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on October 19 that his government must prepare for possible exclusion from a U.S. trade preference program, warning that losing access could have a devastating effect on jobs. South Africa remains eligible for the program, and no exclusion has been announced. The African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, gives eligible sub-Saharan African countries preferential access to the U.S. market, including duty-free entry for qualifying goods. Congress has extended the program through December 2028, but eligibility is reviewed annually by the U.S. executive. Ramaphosa said the executive’s decision on South Africa remains outstanding. Ramaphosa said the government is discussing the country’s status with U.S. counterparts while seeking other markets for South African exports. He said he and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have been pursuing alternative buyers and pointed to China’s preferential access for qualifying South African exports. In February, Pretoria and Beijing signed the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, which provides duty-free access across tariff lines for qualifying goods, according to one account. The president’s...