Will Democrats’ mid-term WIN rescue South Africa’s AGOA status?

South Africa’s AGOA status and access to duty-free trade with the US ends on 31 December 2026. Trump’s administration announced as much just one day before American voters handed Democrats control of both the House and Senate. This raises a hopeful question, of course: Will the new Congress reverse the decision?

SOUTH AFRICA’S AGOA STATUS

The straight answer is, perhaps, but not quickly or directly. That’s because the new Congress only takes office in January 2027, after the termination date. And South Africa’s AGOA status is decided directly by the president, which is Trump for another two years.  

Following an annual review led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, in theory, lawmakers could pass legislation to restore South Africa’s AGOA status. However, Trump could still veto it. And overriding a veto needs a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.

Meanwhile, the House did pass an extension to South Africa’s AGOA status back in January 2026, so support for the programme still exists. And top Democrats in the House did criticise the decision to remove South Africa.

60 DAYS TO APPEAL

Meanwhile, we have other means to preserve South Africa’s AGOA status. That is 60 days to make representations, and for: “African partners to take the necessary steps to meet the eligibility criteria,” said Republican Greer. The Trump administration has long criticised South Africa, accusing it of allowing violence against white farmers (which Pretoria denies) and affirmative action laws.

However, don’t expect a quick thaw. Democrats have been more supportive of AGOA and of South Africa, but they won’t control foreign policy, and Trump remains president until January 2029. The grievances the US cites, from corruption to national-security and foreign-policy concerns, aren’t things anyone but South Africa can fix.

Long story short, South Africa cannot and shouldn’t count on Washington to change course. Accordingly, Department of Trade Minister Parks Tau has said the country will keep diversifying its export markets, and that’s the safer bet for the industries and thousands of workers whose jobs are at risk.

But what do you think? Would you like to see South Africa’s AGOA status reinstated under the Democrats? Or should we focus on diversifying in the meantime? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …