US congressman urges Trump to reverse South Africa’s removal from AGOA
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on IOL
US Representative Jonathan Jackson calls on the Trump administration to reverse its decision to remove South Africa from AGOA, which he considers a setback for relations between the United States and Africa. The removal, scheduled for 1 January 2027, follows an annual review of eligible countries; according to Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Pretoria allegedly has practices incompatible with the programme, according to IOL.
US Representative Jonathan Jackson calls on the Trump administration to reverse its decision to remove South Africa from AGOA, the US trade law that grants tariff advantages to sub-Saharan African countries. He believes the measure harms relations between Washington and the African continent, and that it could penalise businesses and workers in both countries, according to his statements reported by IOL.
Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to end South Africa’s beneficiary status under AGOA with effect from 1 January 2027. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says the decision follows an annual review of the eligibility of sub-Saharan African countries. According to him, Pretoria and Kigali, in Rwanda, pursue practices incompatible with the programme’s criteria, including barriers to US trade and investment. Jackson calls for a diplomatic solution with the South African government. The measure comes as relations between Washington and Pretoria have become sharply strained, as analysed in our dossier Exit from AGOA.
