THE US government has not yet blocked SA’s
agricultural products from receiving the duty free benefits of the
Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), Trade and Industry Minister
Rob Davies said on Monday.
The minister conceded, however, that SA was in "extra time"
with regard to meeting the December 31 deadline set by US President
Barack Obama. Mr Obama had said the negotiations to grant access of US
poultry, beef and pork onto the market should have been concluded by
then.
Further discussions between US and South African veterinarians are scheduled to take place on Wednesday. Mr Davies hoped that the US administration would allow more time for an agreement on the outstanding issues to be reached.
| Rob Davies addresses the media and the public on government's decision on the African Growth and Opportunity Act on Monday in Pretoria. |
Further discussions between US and South African veterinarians are scheduled to take place on Wednesday. Mr Davies hoped that the US administration would allow more time for an agreement on the outstanding issues to be reached.



