Neal Statement on Trump’s Termination of South Africa from AGOA

SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after President Trump announced intention to terminate South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program:

“For 26 years, AGOA has been the cornerstone of a profound economic partnership between the U.S. and sub-Saharan African countries. Together, we’ve expanded trade, promoted job creation and worker rights, and strengthened democratic institutions. For the Trump Administration to abandon South Africa and strip them of that progress and opportunity over a debunked fixation on anti-apartheid efforts is unconscionable. It’s yet another trade decision grounded in grievance that flies in the face of what responsible policy should be.

“The Administration owes the American people a more thorough explanation as to why South Africa was removed from AGOA and what steps South Africa can take to be reinstated to the program. Livelihoods, businesses, and U.S. credibility are on the line. The power of our trade laws shouldn’t be twisted so Trump can further policies based on biased accusations made by those in his orbit looking to settle scores. The last thing our trade policy needs, and families and businesses at home can afford, is more Trump chaos that shakes our economy, puts investment at risk, and erodes America’s standing on the continent.”

###