THE AFRICA TIMES | SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa’s export sectors may face renewed strain if the United States implements broad import tariffs on African goods next year. A study by African Narratives indicates that this proposal, part of a wider review of U.S. trade balances, would impose duties of 30% to 50% on products currently covered under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AGOA has been integral to South Africa’s manufacturing and trade strategy for over two decades. It facilitated an increase in exports to the U.S. from approximately $28 billion in 2000 to nearly $40 billion in 2024, particularly benefiting sectors such as automotive, citrus, and light industrial goods.
South Africa’s Auto and Agro-Processing Sectors at Risk
The report identifies the automotive industry as particularly vulnerable. South Africa hosts major
