US trade authorities undertake Agoa fact-finding mission

ALAN PEAT
THE US trade authorities are currently in southern Africa looking to enhance the advantages stemming from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) – legislation which allows approved African states duty-free access for exports to the US.
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is in SA and its neighbouring countries on a fact-finding investigation under Section 332 (g) of the US Tariff Act.
According to information released to FTW by trade advisers Deloitte, the investigators have been requested by the US Trade representative to undertake this study of Agoa-eligible sub-Saharan African countries.
The aim is to identify the sectors with greatest potential for export growth. The findings will be made public after June 30, Deloitte added.