Ramaphosa seeks U.S. trade deal after AGOA exclusion

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his government would seek a bilateral trade agreement with the United States and expand export markets after Washington announced South Africa’s exclusion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA. The change is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027. Ramaphosa described the exclusion as a setback but said trade relations with the United States would continue. Speaking to reporters after voting in South Africa’s municipal elections on Wednesday, November 4, he said Pretoria wanted direct negotiations on trade rules and mechanisms and had been diversifying its commercial relationships. AGOA provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries preferential, duty-free access to the U.S. market. The Office of the United States Trade Representative said South Africa and Rwanda had engaged in practices inconsistent with the programme’s eligibility criteria. South Africa is its largest beneficiary, according to the reports. Ramaphosa also expressed hope that the U.S. midterm election result would create an opportunity to improve relations. He said he hoped the two governments could find a path forward on trade, investment and...