South Africa's exclusion from AGOA not on the table - Minister Tau

CAPE TOWN - Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says South Africa’s exclusion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is not on the table.

Tau said South Africa has now received strong bilateral support from both the Republican and Democratic parties in the United States (US) for the re-authorisation of AGOA.

AGOA allows eligible countries on the continent exemption from taxes on their exports to the US and allows them access to the US market.

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Tau briefed the media earlier on Tuesday, following the country’s recent mission to the AGOA Forum in Washington DC.

Minister Tau gave the assurance that South Africa would remain in AGOA despite some previous calls from the US Congress to exclude the country.

This was mainly because of South Africa’s non-aligned position in the Ukraine and Russia conflict.

But Tau said there was now general agreement that there should be speedy re-authorisation of AGOA which lapses in 2025, with South Africa firmly involved.

“The initial bill that was proposed that suggested South Africa’s possible exclusion has been amended. There’s no AGOA resolution at this stage or proposal that suggests exclusion of South Africa.”

Tau said other proposals presented at the forum included the extension of AGOA for stability, improved rules of origins and enhancing Africa’s manufacturing capabilities.