The United States-Africa preferential trade pact, known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), has officially expired. However, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau remains confident that a renewal is imminent.

In a statement, Tau says his optimism follows his recent visit to Washington and New York, where he engaged with the US trade representatives and members of  Congress.

Tau’s spokesperson Kaamil Alli says, “The timing of the renewal of AGOA will depend on the legislative vehicle that Congress chooses to renew AGOA. Some members of Congress cautioned that AGOA may expire on September 30, 2025. Efforts will be made to renew it as soon as possible thereafter.”

“Currently, Congress is seized with a continuing resolution bill to ask for funding to avoid a shutdown. South Africa continues to work with other AGOA-eligible countries, coordinated by the African Union Permanent Mission in Washington DC. To this end, the African diplomatic core, through the offices of the Dean and the AU Permanent Mission, wrote a letter to relevant congressional committees advocating for the urgent renewal of AGOA,” adds Alli.

VIDEO | Viwe Ntshongwana explains the impact of the expiration of AGOA: