South Africa’s newly formed government will use an upcoming forum on US preferential trade access to push back against a Senate review of ties between the two countries. The House of Representatives last month passed a law requiring a full assessment off bilateral relations and submitted it to the Senate for approval. South African business lobby groups have warned the legislation threatens to curb trade with the world’s biggest economy at a time when the country needs to accelerate economic growth to address widespread inequality. A review of ties may risk South Africa’s access to the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which provides the country with duty-free access to the US market. Two-way trade between the two nations amounted to $23.7-billion last year, with South Africa shipping cars and agricultural produce under the accord. “We intend to engage senators and also members of Congress about what our position is on a whole range of issues as the South African government on the back of the Agoa act, but also taking into account bilateral relations,” Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said in an interview. A delegation will head to the US to attend the Agoa Forum in Washington DC from July 24-26, he said.
