JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Monday expressed regret over the U.S. decision to suspend the country's eligibility for preferential trade benefits, pledging to support affected industries and diversify export markets.
In a statement issued late Monday, South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said the government recognized the concerns the U.S. decision could create for workers, exporters, businesses and communities impacted by the country's suspension from the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The government would continue supporting affected industries to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the country's productive sectors, while diversifying exports and protecting jobs, the statement said.
South Africa would also accelerate efforts to expand its export markets, actively pursuing opportunities across Africa, India, Europe, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Southern Common Market and China, among other destinations.
The department said it had also secured new market opportunities for South African agricultural products, including citrus, avocados, grapes and apples.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the U.S. decision should not define the broader relationship between the two countries.
The government would safeguard South Africa's national interests and remain committed to working with the United States to expand trade, investment and economic opportunities, Tau said.
The department said South Africa had made extensive efforts to address U.S. concerns during negotiations, including offering additional concessions beyond those agreed upon in 2015. It expressed regret that Washington had raised new issues not part of the negotiations launched in 2025.
On Monday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer notified Congress that President Donald Trump intended to terminate South Africa and Rwanda's participation in AGOA, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Washington said the decision followed an annual review of eligible sub-Saharan African countries, citing concerns over trade barriers, corruption and national security.
AGOA was signed into law in 2000 to promote trade and economic ties between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries. The program grants eligible countries duty-free and quota-free access to the U.S. market for a wide range of products. South Africa has been among its major beneficiaries.
Approximately 89 percent of South Africa's exports to the United States entered the U.S. market under ordinary World Trade Organization most-favoured-nation terms in 2025, while about 10 percent entered under AGOA preferences, according to the country's trade department. ■
