Pretoria – The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition says South Africa is pursuing market opportunities across the African Continental Free Trade Area, India, SADC, the European Union, the United Kingdom, ASEAN, MERCOSUR and China.
The department’s comments came soon after the United States government gave South Africa 60 days’ notice that it was withdrawing South Africa’s benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The trade preference program enacted in 2000 provides duty‑free access to the U.S. market for over 1 800 products from eligible sub‑Saharan African countries.
However, relations between the U.S. and South Africa have been frosty in recent times, with the Trump Administration taking umbrage at the country’s expropriation laws and falsely claiming that White farmers were victims of genocide in the country.
On Monday, 2 November 2026, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that President Donald Trump notified Congress and South Africa (along with Rwanda) of the intent to remove them from AGOA.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, the department said: “The South African government notes the decision by the United States government giving South Africa 60 days’ advance notice of its intention to withdraw South Africa’s benefits under AGOA, effective 1 January 2027.
“Government recognises the concern that this decision may create for workers, exporters, businesses and communities linked to AGOA-supported value chains.
“The impact will differ across sectors, and government is working closely with affected industries to assess the implications and will continue to provide appropriate support, on a company-to-company basis.
“As a responsible government, South Africa has proactively retained measures that were availed as a response to the Reciprocal Tariffs.”
The department said the South African government will “undertake further engagements” with social partners to optimise support measures aimed at “improving resilience and sustainability” of the productive sectors while diversifying exports and protecting jobs.
In 2025, approximately 89% of South African exports to the U.S. entered under ordinary World Trade Organization most-favoured-nation terms, while approximately 10% entered under AGOA, down from 28% in 2024.
AGOA exports were valued at approximately US$1.7 billion in 2025, down from $4 billion in 2024.
AGOA exports represented about 1% of South Africa’s total global exports.
Bilateral trade reached US$28.8 billion in 2025, while more than 600 American companies operate in South Africa, supporting about 134 600 jobs.
Trade relations are complementary and mutually beneficial
South Africa supplies 12 of the 50 minerals regarded as critical by the U.S., 70% of U.S. isotopes used, among others, in cancer treatments, and sources inputs from the U.S. on goods manufactured for exports to the US under AGOA, such as autos and boat building.
“South African companies are also invested in the U.S. economy, and the loss of AGOA will undermine these investments and negatively affect existing value chains,” noted the department.
“Government will continue to accelerate the diversification of South Africa’s export markets.
“Through its Cabinet-approved Industrial Development Strategy and Butterfly Strategy, South Africa is pursuing market opportunities across the African Continental Free Trade Area, India, SADC, the European Union, the United Kingdom, ASEAN, MERCOSUR and China.”
The department revealed that South Africa has also secured new market opportunities for citrus, avocados, grapes, and apples.
Commenting on the U.S. move to remove South Africa from AGOA, South Africa’s Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said: “This decision does not define the broader relationship between South Africa and the United States; however, a solution depends on the willingness of both Parties to find solutions.
“At the same time, government will support affected sectors, protect South Africa’s national interests and continue pursuing trade, investment and shared economic opportunities with the United States.”
Minister Tau said the U.S. remains an important trade and investment partner.
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