Agoa report highlights export expansion potential

ALAN PEAT SOME 30% of SA’s exports to the US in 2004 fell under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) or the general system of preferences (GSP), according to trade and customs consultants Deloitte. These were valued at US$1.8-billion (R11.8-bn). As part of the new Agoa competitiveness report, the office of the US trade representative (USTR) published sectors which they believed to be of economic strength and to have the greatest potential for production and export expansion in Agoa-eligible countries. These include: • Agriculture, fisheries and agro-processing, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and processed food, cut flowers, wine and ostrich products; • Manufacturing, including motor vehicles, engines and parts; • Minerals and metals, including ores and concentrates, precious and semi-precious stones, wrought forms of tin and alloys; • Services, including financial services, ICT, BPO, tourism, and feature and commercial film; • Energy-related products, including coal.