U.S. Considers Unique Trade Approach for South Africa Amid AGOA Extension Debate

Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, expressed openness to treating South Africa differently regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) extension. Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa have escalated, impacting trade negotiations and prompting debates on imposing tariffs and addressing barriers.

On Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated a willingness to approach South Africa differently if Washington pursues an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) past its September expiration. Greer remarked at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing that while the Trump administration supported a one-year AGOA extension, South Africa's unique position could prompt consideration of its exclusion if Congress advocates for it.

Greer's comments come amid rising tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, highlighted by the exclusion of Pretoria from recent international summits. Notably, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused South Africa's government of racism, an assertion echoed by President Trump but widely discredited. Greer emphasized South Africa's economic potential and the need for reduced tariffs, suggesting the nation should engage more in trading U.S. goods.

In August, the U.S. levied a 30% tariff on South African imports following ignored trade proposals. Greer reiterated support for using AGOA's extension period to work with Congress on refining the initiative, initially enacted in 2000 to allow thousands of products duty-free entry into the American market.