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Ramaphosa wants US trade deal after AGOA suspension

Published

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President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to reporters after voting in the municipal elections on Wednesday. He said the US midterm results, with Democrats taking the Senate and House, would start a new era in world relations.

Ramaphosa said South Africa's suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from January is a negative. The announcement of the suspension came on Monday. He said the country was sad to be removed, but trade relations with the US continue.

He said the focus should now be on negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US.

Reports of US President Donald Trump's statements say he has targeted South Africa largely over what he calls the persecution of white people. South Africa says this claim is a false narrative spread by fringe groups.

Key facts

Who
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa); Donald Trump (President of the United States)
What
Ramaphosa, speaking after voting in South Africa's municipal elections, said Democrats taking control of the Senate and House signalled a new era in world relations. He said South Africa's suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act from January is a negative and that a bilateral trade agreement with the US should be pursued.
When
4 November 2026
Where
South Africa, United States
Status
Reported

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