South Africa’s citrus industry has expressed its disappointment at the US administration’s recommendation to suspend certain trade benefits for South Africa under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).
“What makes this decision particularly frustrating is that citrus has been a shining example of what the US administration sought to achieve through Agoa - real development with job creation and the establishment of vibrant rural economies,” a Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) spokesman said.
“For fresh citrus exports to the US, the impact of a withdrawal of benefits would mean South African citrus losing competitiveness against the likes of Peru, Uruguay and Chile – all of whom have preferential trade agreements.”
The CGA is however optimistic about a positive outcome.
“A successful resolution must be the only outcome. Our economy can do without the negative impact this would have on economic growth – not to mention the human misery of potential job losses.”
