Whether, in light of the recent one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 31 December 2026, and given South Africa’s continued inclusion in AGOA despite ongoing US-imposed 30% tariffs on the country’s exports
Official source
Source domain: pmg.org.za
Collected on 17 June 2026
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Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR via SACU
The reply states that SACU is implementing a Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay).
- Who it is for
- Countries trading under SACU arrangements with MERCOSUR
- How to act on it
- Trade under the SACU Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR as it is being implemented.
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In addition, South Africa as part of Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) is implementing a Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR (that includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay).
AGOA trade preference scheme (US market access for eligible South African exports)
AGOA is described as a US unilateral trade preference scheme that supports exports of South African products to the United States by eliminating the most favoured nation tariff that would otherwise have applied to SA products.
- Who it is for
- South African exporters of products to the United States that benefit from AGOA
- How to act on it
- Use AGOA-supported export channels to the United States; the reply describes AGOA as eliminating the most favoured nation tariff that would otherwise have applied to SA products.
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The AGOA programme supports the exporters by eliminating the most favoured nation tariff that would otherwise have applied to SA products.
Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations with India via SACU
The reply says SACU is engaging with India towards a Preferential Trade Agreement.
- Who it is for
- SACU member trade arrangements with India
- How to act on it
- Participate through SACU engagement processes towards a Preferential Trade Agreement with India (as described).
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Currently SACU is engaging with India towards a Preferential Trade Agreement.
Early Harvest Agreement negotiations with China (duty-free market access)
South Africa says it signed a Framework Agreement with China that paves the way for negotiations of an Early Harvest Agreement intended to unlock 100% duty-free market access granted by China to African countries with diplomatic relations.
- Who it is for
- African countries with which China has diplomatic relations (as referenced in the reply)
- How to act on it
- Proceed through negotiations of an Early Harvest Agreement as paved by the Framework Agreement.
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South Africa signed a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity with China that paves the way for negotiations of an Early Harvest Agreement that will unlock 100% duty-free market access that China has granted African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
Pre-Early Harvest duty-free market access from China (for two years)
South Africa welcomes China’s announcement granting Pre-Early Harvest duty-free market access from 1 May 2026 for two years while African countries conclude Early Harvest Agreements.
- Who it is for
- African countries concluding Early Harvest Agreements (as referenced in the reply)
- How to act on it
- Benefit from the Pre-Early Harvest duty-free market access granted by China starting 1 May 2026.
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South Africa welcomes the announcement by President Xi Jinping on Saturday 14 February 2026 to grant Pre-Early Harvest duty-free market access from May 1, 2026 for two years, while African countries conclude the Early Harvest Agreements.
Facts
Reference
https://pmg.org.za/committee-question/36138/
Key Takeaways
- AGOA
- NW219
- BRICS
- trade
- industry
- competition
Dates
Opening Date
12 March 2026
Closing Date
31 December 2026