Economists do not have much hope that South Africa will be included in Agoa this time, but the minister’s department is still trying.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has welcomed the US House of Representatives’ approval of Agoa and says South Africa is still talking to the US about trade. The talks are happening despite US President Donald Trump still making negative comments about South Africa.
According to a statement from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Minister Parks Tau welcomes the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) Extension Bill. Agoa, first enacted in 2000, provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible Sub-Saharan countries and products.
The Agoa bill proposes the reauthorisation of Agoa with all beneficiaries included for three years until 2028. The bill will proceed to the Senate for consideration and approval before it is sent to the US president for his approval.
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Advocating for long-term renewal of Agoa
Tau says while South Africa, together with other Agoa-eligible countries, has been advocating for a long-term renewal of Agoa with all countries retained in the programme, the current renewal, while short, provides the necessary relief to companies in the context of the US tariffs.
“This will provide certainty and predictability for African and American businesses that rely on the programme. The renewal of Agoa will complement and support the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and creation of regional value chains, as well as support American businesses that depend on inputs and products imported into the US market under Agoa.”
Tau emphasises that South Africa values its longstanding trade and investment relationship with the US, South Africa’s third-largest export destination and a critical partner in driving mutually beneficial economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.
“Agoa has been important in this partnership for over two decades, supporting thousands of jobs in both countries and contributing to stable supply chains across key sectors notably in automotive, shipbuilding, agriculture, chemicals and clothing.
“South Africa is committed to a mature engagement regarding matters of mutual concern, ensuring that we can reach our shared economic goals.”
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SA trade with US under Agoa
According to data from Sars, total bilateral trade between South Africa and the US was $15 billion in 2024, with South Africa’s exports at $8 billion and imports at $7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$1 billion, dominated by South Africa’s exports of commodities. South Africa’s exports in 2025 (January to September) stood at $5.9 billion.
In 2024, South African exports to the US consisted of platinum (25.4%), followed by articles of precious metals (18.7%) and motor vehicles (16.5%), diamonds (7.3%) and gold (4.7%). Under Agoa, the major South African exports were automotives, ferro-alloys, citrus, jewellery, nuts, chemicals, wines, engines and turbines and ships and boats.
In turn, South Africa is the largest sub-Saharan African importer of goods from the US and the biggest source of foreign direct investment to the US from the African continent, as well as a crucial supplier of raw materials for many US supply chains.
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Tau still hopeful about Agoa
Tau says South Africa and the US continue to engage with each other in negotiating an agreement on reciprocal tariffs aimed at promoting mutually beneficial trade and investment relations and addressing trade barriers that affect bilateral trade.
