South Africa lauds US trade-pact benefits as senate vote looms

South Africa’s government welcomed the approval of a US preferential-trade deal before a key vote in the Senate, where Pretoria has faced opposition to its continued inclusion in the pact.

The House of Representatives approved the three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which expired in September, by 340 votes to 54 on January 12.

The legislation, which grants tariff-free access to more than 1 800 products from 32 countries, is expected to go before the Senate early this year before it’s handed to President Donald Trump for his signature.

“The current renewal, while short, provides the necessary relief to companies in the context of the tariffs implemented by the US,” South African Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said in a statement late Tuesday.

Pretoria and other AGOA-eligible countries have advocated for a long-term renewal of the pact with all countries in the program.

AGOA has