US Congressman Jonathan Jackson has called on the administration of President Donald Trump to reverse its decision to remove South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), describing the move as a major setback for US-Africa relations and warning that it could hurt businesses and workers in both countries.
Trump has notified Congress of his intention to terminate South Africa’s beneficiary status under AGOA with effect from January 1, 2027. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer noted the decision followed an annual review of sub-Saharan African countries’ eligibility for the program.
Greer said Trump had determined that South Africa and Rwanda were engaging in practices inconsistent with AGOA’s eligibility requirements, including barriers to US trade and investment, as well as practices considered threats to US national security and foreign policy interests.
In a statement, Jackson expressed opposition to the Trump administration’s decision, warning that removing South Africa from AGOA threatened decades of economic cooperation, undermined US engagement with Africa and put American strategic interests at risk.
”President Trump’s decision to remove South Africa from AGOA is a deeply troubling step backward in America’s relationship with the African continent,” Jackson said. ”Rather than strengthening our economic partnerships and advancing shared prosperity, this administration is choosing a path that risks alienating one of Africa’s most important economic partners,” he added.
“It also creates opportunities for other global powers, particularly China, to expand their economic influence across the continent at America’s expense,” Jackson stressed, calling on the Trump administration to reconsider its position and engage with Pretoria to find a diplomatic resolution.
He also urged Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities to ensure that decisions affecting trade relationships and strategic partnerships with African countries were transparent, lawful and aligned with America’s long-term interests.
Meanwhile, South African Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau previously said the US decision did not define the broader relationship between the two countries, but warned that finding a solution would depend on both parties’ willingness to engage.
He said the government would support affected sectors, protect South Africa’s national interests and continue pursuing trade, investment and shared economic opportunities with the US.
”South Africa remains committed to a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership with the US that enables preferential trade, supports beneficiation of critical minerals at source and promotes investment,” Tau said.
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