SA warned it could lose preferential trade benefits under AGOA

The South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA is warning that Pretoria could lose its preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before the end of the year.

The organisation says a critical deadline is approaching, despite Washington recently extending the trade programme until the end of 2028.

The warning comes amid strained diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries, with billions of dollars in exports potentially at risk.

The Chamber, which describes itself as the voice of South African business in the United States, has warned that Washington could notify Pretoria of its potential exclusion from AGOA as early as next week.

Chamber President Neil Diamond says the United States must provide at least sixty days’ notice for an annual-review termination to take effect on January first, placing the deadline around 2 November.

He has urged the South African government to engage Washington immediately to safeguard preferential market access.

South Africa exported goods worth approximately $16.5 billion to the United States last year, although only a portion benefited from AGOA.

US Senate votes to extend AGOA trade deal to 2028: