Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
Ramaphosa says South Africa must prepare for possible US trade exclusion
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country must prepare for possible exclusion from a US trade programme.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, gives eligible African countries duty-free access to the US market for certain goods.
Congress has renewed the programme through the end of 2028, but President Donald Trump must sign the extension, and South Africa's eligibility is under scrutiny.
The possibility comes as relations between Washington and Pretoria have deteriorated over disputed issues, including US criticism of South Africa.
The stakes are high for the car industry: about 86,000 manufacturer jobs are tied to the deal, rising to 125,000 when subcontractors are included.
Ramaphosa called the possible impact “devastating” but urged people not to panic, while his government looks for alternative markets.
An exclusion taking effect on January 1 would need to be announced by November 2, and the US is still to decide whether South Africa remains eligible.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa must prepare for possible exclusion from the United States’ duty-free African trade programme, AGOA.
Congress has renewed AGOA until the end of 2028, but the extension awaits President Donald Trump’s signature.
Ramaphosa said exclusion would have a “devastating” impact but urged people not to panic.
South Africa is seeking alternative markets, while its government remains in discussions with US counterparts.
The automotive industry is exposed, with about 86,000 jobs directly tied to the agreement and 125,000 including subcontractors.
- Who
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africa.
- What
- Ramaphosa said the country should prepare for possible exclusion from AGOA, the US duty-free trade programme for eligible African countries.
- When
- He made the remarks on October 19, 2026.
- Where
- South Africa; the programme provides preferential access to the US market.
- Why
- South Africa’s eligibility is under scrutiny in Washington as relations between the countries have deteriorated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China introduced a zero-tariff scheme for qualifying South African goods.
Ramaphosa said South Africa should prepare for possible exclusion from AGOA.
An exclusion taking effect on January 1 would need to be announced by this date.
Any exclusion announced by November 2 could take effect.
Congress has renewed AGOA until this time, pending Trump’s signature.
- Programme
- African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
- Renewal
- Congress approved an extension until the end of 2028; it awaits Trump’s signature
- Automotive jobs
- 86,000 directly tied to the agreement; 125,000 including subcontractors
- Exclusion deadline
- November 2 for an exclusion to take effect January 1
- Alternative market
- China introduced a zero-tariff scheme for qualifying South African goods in May
3 sources
What people are saying
Congress has decided that we should be kept in AGOA. What now remains is the executive
devastating
I need, as president, to prepare us if it ever happens