Briefing Parliament’s oversight committee on the status of trade relations with the US, Deputy Trade Director General Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter said the department understands that lawmakers across party lines are backing a straightforward extension of the programme, which grants eligible African countries preferential access to the US market.
Mlumbi-Peter told MPs that Republican Senator John Kennedy has already introduced a bill proposing a two-year renewal of AGOA, signalling continued political appetite in Washington to keep the scheme in place. She added that the influential US Ways and Means Committee has yet to formally deliberate on the programme, but indications are that support for renewal remains strong.
“There is still bipartisan support for the renewal of AGOA, and the White House has indicated that it is also in support of the renewal for a period of one year,” Mlumbi-Peter said. “What is expected will be a straight rollover of the existing members, which will mean that once AGOA is rolled over, SA will continue to benefit under the programme.”
The Department told Parliament that maintaining AGOA access remains critical for domestic industries that export automotive products, agricultural goods, and manufactured items to the US.
SA has been one of AGOA’s biggest beneficiaries, with the preferential trade regime supporting thousands of jobs in export-oriented sectors.
Government officials say they will continue to engage with US counterparts as discussions progress, warning that any prolonged delay in the renewal could create uncertainty for exporters.
Mlumbi-Peter emphasised that while the department welcomed the signs of political alignment in Washington, SA would monitor the legislative process closely to ensure continuity in market access for local producers.
Renewal of AGOA has been a recurring concern for African governments, particularly as global trade becomes more contested and geopolitical priorities shift. However, SA says the current momentum inside Congress and the White House suggests a smooth rollover is still possible.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
