Ramaphosa Warns South Africa Of Possible Loss Of US Trade Benefits

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the country to prepare for the possibility of losing preferential access to the United States market under a major African trade programme, warning that the consequences for jobs could be severe.

Ramaphosa issued the warning on Monday as tensions between Pretoria and Washington continued, with uncertainty surrounding South Africa’s future participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The programme allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export thousands of products to the US without paying import duties, providing an important advantage for businesses selling into the American market.

“I need, as president, to prepare us if it ever happens,” Ramaphosa said, referring to the possibility of South Africa being excluded from the scheme. He warned that the effect on employment would be “devastating”.

The South African government is still engaging US officials over its trade relationship with Washington. Ramaphosa said the outcome remained uncertain, as some American officials have called for South Africa to be removed from AGOA.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated under US President Donald Trump, who has accused South Africa of mistreating its white minority. Pretoria has rejected the claims, describing them as false.

South Africa has also faced a 30 per cent US tariff on its exports, introduced by the Trump administration in 2025. The two governments have continued discussions over a possible trade arrangement, but a final resolution has yet to be secured.

In response to the uncertainty, Ramaphosa said his administration was seeking to expand South Africa’s access to other international markets. He and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have been travelling abroad to explore alternative trade opportunities.

He pointed to a trade arrangement with China as one potential avenue for expanding exports. Beijing introduced a zero-tariff scheme in May for qualifying goods from South Africa and other African countries.

The government’s efforts to diversify trade are intended to reduce dependence on the US market and protect South African businesses from the effects of possible restrictions.

South Africa’s future under AGOA remains uncertain as negotiations continue, leaving exporters and workers exposed to the possibility of losing some of the advantages they have enjoyed under the programme.