South Africa has welcomed the U. S. House of Representatives’ approval of legislation to renew a key trade programme that supports economic ties between the United States and African economies, calling it a constructive step for bilateral and regional trade.
The bill would extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another three years. Since its launch in 2000, AGOA has provided duty-free access to the U. S. market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries, helping to boost exports, attract investment, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the continent.
South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the House vote sends a positive signal to businesses by reinforcing certainty and predictability in U. S.–Africa trade relations. He noted that the programme enables companies to plan investments and expand supply chains with greater confidence.
Tau added that South Africa continues to engage with the United States on strengthening trade relations, including discussions around a possible bilateral trade agreement. He expressed optimism that renewed trade frameworks could support deeper economic cooperation, even as broader diplomatic relations evolve.
The legislation will now proceed to the U. S. Senate before being considered by President Donald Trump. If approved, the AGOA extension would help maintain momentum in U. S.–Africa trade and provide continuity for exporters and manufacturers navigating a changing global trade environment.
#ITCNewsUpdates #BreakingNews #AGOA #AfricaTrade #USTrade #TradeGrowth