Trump trade tariffs could threaten Agoa pact, Davies warns
Steel, aluminium and automotive industries waiting to see how US plans to hike tariffs will affect them
US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies are forcing South Africa to assess if membership of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, the US preferential trade programme for sub-Saharan Africa, still provides any benefit. Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said in an interview with Business Times that South Africa's ambassador to Washington, Mninwa Mahlangu, made submissions in the US this week on behalf of the Pretoria government. South Africa's steel, aluminium and automotive industries are waiting to see how US plans to hike tariffs will affect them. Last month Washington imposed tariff increases of 25% and 10% respectively for steel and aluminium imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. It is due to complete an assessment of the automotive sector next month. South African poultry producers, who have long been unhappy with imports of US poultry products, have threatened litigation to try to end tariff concessions on these imports. Davies said: "Our ambassa...
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