South Africa says it is ready for US AGOA decision
Trade Minister Parks Tau said the economy will stay stable and exporters will keep trading, whatever the US decides on South Africa's AGOA eligibility for 2027. The US is expected to announce its decision on 2 November 2026.
Tau said government is confident the US will respond favourably to the offers South Africa made in talks. He said two rounds of talks between senior officials made substantial progress on the issues. Tau said, "We are ready, whatever the decision."
If US concerns remain, South Africa will have 60 days to address them before any suspension could take effect, Tau said. A suspension could be full or partial.
Tau gave figures on trade ties. Bilateral trade between South Africa and the US was $28.8 billion in 2025. About 600 American companies operate in South Africa and support 134 600 jobs, and US companies made investment commitments of more than $5 billion in the last year.
South Africa supplies 12 of the 50 minerals the US considers critical. Under AGOA, more than 1 800 products have duty-free access to the US market. More than 5 000 products are eligible under the Generalised System of Preferences.
Key facts
- Who
- Parks Tau (Trade, Industry and Competition Minister); Jamieson Greer (US Trade Representative Ambassador)
- What
- Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the economy will remain stable and exporters will continue trading regardless of the US decision on South Africa's AGOA eligibility for 2027. Tau said government is confident the US will respond favourably to South Africa's offers and that South Africa will have 60 days to address remaining US concerns before any suspension could take effect.
- When
- 30 October 2026
- Where
- South Africa, United States, Washington, DC
- Status
- Reported