Representative Gregory W. Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a joint statement in Washington, DC, condemning the Trump administration’s intent to remove South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program.
The AGOA, a U.S. trade initiative that offers duty‑free access to the American market for qualifying sub‑Saharan African countries, has been a key tool for promoting economic growth and investment in the region. South Africa has been one of the program’s beneficiaries since its launch in 2000.
In the statement, Meeks and Shaheen expressed concern that terminating South Africa’s participation would undermine the country’s trade prospects and the broader goals of the AGOA. They urged the administration to reconsider the decision and to preserve the trade benefits that have supported South Africa’s export sector.
Both lawmakers highlighted the importance of maintaining strong U.S.–South Africa trade relations, noting that the AGOA has helped to diversify South Africa’s export base and foster economic development across the continent.
The statement was released as the Trump administration moves forward with its broader trade policy agenda, which includes reassessing eligibility criteria for AGOA participants.
<small>Source: AllAfrica — read the original story there.</small>
