Ramaphosa warns South Africa to brace for possible loss of US-Africa trade deal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned citizens to prepare for possible exclusion from a United States trade agreement offering duty-free access to American markets.

According to PUNCH, Ramaphosa issued the warning on Monday amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), recently extended until 2028, provides preferential trade benefits to eligible African countries.

“Congress has decided that we should be kept in AGOA. What now remains is the executive,” Ramaphosa said.

He acknowledged that losing the benefits could have a “devastating” economic impact but urged citizens against panic.

“I need, as president, to prepare us if it ever happens. So we should not go out and jump off tall buildings and think that this is the end of the world,” he stated.

South Africa plans to explore alternative export markets if excluded.

The country’s automotive industry remains particularly vulnerable, with thousands of jobs linked to the agreement.

Washington reviews AGOA eligibility annually.