Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau.

Picture: Daniel Garzon/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images The South African government has pushed back against Washington’s decision to terminate the country’s benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), arguing that it made extensive efforts to address US concerns and accusing the United States of introducing new issues despite ongoing negotiations.

US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on Monday announced that South Africa and Rwanda would be excluded from the duty-free trade programme from 1 January 2027, citing practices deemed inconsistent with Agoa’s eligibility requirements.

The decision follows a letter US President Donald Trump sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa in October, in which he accused Pretoria of failing to meet key Agoa requirements.

Trump said South Africa no longer meets the programme’s eligibility criteria, citing concerns over corruption, market access, and barriers to US trade and investment.

“The Government of South Africa has not established, or is not making continual progress toward establishing, a system to combat corruption and bribery or the elimination of barriers to United States trade and investment,” he said.

Trump also accused South Africa of maintaining trade restrictions that negatively affect American businesses.

“South Africa continues to maintain significant tariff and non-tariff barriers affecting United States trade and investment, including barriers involving agricultural market access, regulatory requirements, investment protections, and intellectual property,” he said.

He further raised concerns about South Africa’s foreign policy stance, warning that its relations with certain countries could undermine “United States national security and foreign policy”.

Despite the decision, Trump left the door open for South Africa to regain Agoa benefits if it addresses Washington’s concerns.

“I will continue to monitor whether the Government of South Africa is making progress in addressing these concerns and meeting Agoa’s eligibility requirements,” he said.

“It is my hope that your government will work closely with my....