US Lawmakers Call for a Comprehensive Review of Agoa Benefits and South Africa’s Ties with China and Russia
Several members of the United States House of Representatives have urged the Biden administration to undertake a thorough analysis of the relationship with South Africa, highlighting concerns about South Africa’s joint military exercises with China and Russia. The request was reported by a major investigative outlet.
According to the report, a draft resolution designated HR145 has been submitted to Congress. The resolution would require the administration to present a detailed assessment of the economic advantages South Africa has gained from U.S. participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act Agoa and the Trade Act, as well as the Investment Framework established in 2012 between the United States and South Africa.
Agoa grants duty-free and quota-free access to most of South Africa’s exports to the United States, a significant benefit for South African exporters, particularly in the automotive and fruit sectors.
By directing an evaluation of Agoa benefits, the lawmakers indicate there is consideration within Congress of potentially reducing those benefits in response to South Africa’s expanding relations with Russia and China.
Resolution HR145 also condemns what it describes as the weakening of military ties between the United States and South Africa. It notes that the two militaries have historically conducted joint exercises and enjoyed strong cooperation, including hosting American troops for a Joint Exercise in 2022 during the fourth such arrangement since 2011.
Meanwhile, South Africa declined to participate in the Cutlass Express military exercises planned with the United States in 2023.
The resolution urges the South African government to cancel all future military exercises with the People’s Republic of China and Russia and to participate in U.S.-led exercises such as Cutlass Express instead.
There have been earlier reports about security-focused activities involving Russia, China, and South Africa, including the opening ceremony of a naval exercise in the Atlantic Ocean hosted at Richards Bay. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, with officials from participating nations expressing hope for deeper security cooperation. The exercise’s active phase was scheduled for February, with seafarers from the three countries preparing to conduct training on ship inspections, hostage release drills, and rescue operations at sea.