Lamola warns of uncertainty surrounding AGOA renewal
Lamola says SA wants to maintain constructive relations with Washington despite disagreements.
South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has warned that the country must prepare for any outcome as the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) remains uncertain. The trade program, initiated in 2000, grants eligible African nations preferential access to the US market. Tensions between South Africa and the United States have led to the government's efforts to diversify export markets.
Over the past two years, nearly half of South Africa's exports now go to the African continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area, with Asia and the European Union also capturing significant shares of South African goods. Despite these challenges, Lamola emphasizes that Pretoria seeks to maintain a friendly relationship with Washington, while acknowledging the importance of continued access to the American market.
The minister stated that while the US may not be South Africa's equal, the country recognizes the necessity of pragmatism. The US remains a vital market for many of South Africa's goods due to AGOA and the preferential access granted to South African exports in the US market.
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