Ongoing discussions with the United States around the sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) requirements for the importation of US poultry, beef and pork have made “substantial progress” towards an amicable conclusion, according to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies.
Addressing members of parliament this week, Davies said that final proposals,regarding outstanding issues, are awaiting approval by the US. He added that any changes would be minor, taking only a few days to resolve.
Owing to the continuous deliberation on South Africa’s eligibility as a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), the resolution of disputes are urgent, reported Business Day.
United States assistant trade representative for Africa, Florizelle Liser, noted that African countries under review have tripled exports non-oil products into the US, which highlights the mutual benefits of Agoa.
