U.S. Considers Special Trade Measures for South Africa

The U.S. Trade Representative suggested differentiating South Africa if the African Growth and Opportunity Act is renewed. The Trump administration is open to a one-year extension but views South Africa as a unique case, considering excluding it unless tariffs and barriers on U.S. goods are reduced.

The U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, expressed the possibility of giving South Africa different treatment from other African nations concerning the U.S. trade initiative.

During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Greer indicated the Trump administration's willingness to consider a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which expired in September. However, he highlighted South Africa's unique position, suggesting it might be excluded from this trade initiative if Congress decided so.

Greer emphasized South Africa's need to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. products for the United States to reciprocate with reduced duties on South African goods.

(With inputs from agencies.)