South Africa’s Trade Minister Parks Tau has expressed confidence that his country will maintain preferential trade status with the U.S.
He voiced this optimism despite concerns in Washington over its foreign policy including a strong pro-Palestinian stance.
Parks Tau Visited Washington Last Week
Parks Tau was in Washington last week to lobby for renewal of the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Its continued participation in the programme provides it duty-free access to the U.S.
South Africa Criticised By Some U.S. Lawmakers
Some U.S. Lawmakers have criticized South Africa for its relationship with Russia and its criticism of Israel in the Gaza conflict.
South Africa could lose eligibility for AGOA if it were determined to be undermining U.S. foreign policy interests.
Need to Step Up Engagement
“I am confident that AGOA will continue and that South Africa will stay in AGOA,” Tau told media persons.
“We will keep a close eye on the process and will continue to lobby,” he said.
Tau further said that more engagements are needed even though they received a “relatively warm reception”.
What U.S. Trade Officials Said?
In addition, U.S. trade officials said on Monday that they had positive discussions with the South African delegation.
Joy Basu, U.S. State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, said that South African partners have heard the concerns.
He further said, ” There has been close engagement on multiple levels.”
AGOA Due To Expire Next Year
AGOA is due to expire next year and President Joe Biden supports its renewal.
The U.S. election in November and possibility of a Donald Trump presidency however brings uncertainty.
Tau’s Optimism
Tau said that ideally the legislation would be renewed before the vote though U.S. officials have said that is unlikely.
An annual review of each country’s eligibility is underway.
Notably, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favour of a bill last month.
Bill Necessitates A Review Of U.S.- South Africa Ties
This bill would require a full review of the U.S. relationship with South Africa.
It cited concerns about ties with Russia and China and accusing it of supporting Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The bill would still need to pass the Senate and be signed by the President to become law.
South Africa’s Position
South Africa says that supporting Palestinians does not equate to supporting Hamas.
Western nations are also unhappy with South Africa for failing to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
It has sought to position itself as a neutral mediator.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
