Lame-Duck Biden Lets South Africa Off the Hook, Renews Trade Benefits

The outgoing Biden-Harris administration has renewed South Africa's eligibility for trade benefits until the end of next year, despite South Africa's moral support for Palestinian terrorism and Russia's war against Ukraine.

Sam Michel, U.S. Trade Representative, former A spokesman for the Biden campaign in liberal Minnesota said on Monday that South Africa could maintain its preferential trade status with the United States under a law called the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which aims to help African economies develop. It was decided.

Observers in South Africa have highlighted the country's active support for the Palestinian cause, including filing a “genocide” complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack. I was concerned about advocacy. It may damage your position.

South Africa's ruling party meets Hamas leaders, President Cyril Ramaphosa pledges support for Palestinian cause just days after October 7 attack, suggests Israel has no right to exist I even did that.

South Africa also favored Russia in its war against Ukraine, a residual effect of the Cold War partnership between the Soviet Union and South Africa's main ruling party, the African National Congress. Additionally, South Africa is deepening its relationship with China, which is expanding its influence across the African continent.

Nevertheless, there are no consequences for acting against America's foreign policy interests. South Africa will continue to benefit from AGOA until at least next year. AGOA itself expires at the end of the financial year in September. South African leaders are openly concerned that President-elect Donald Trump will not update the law.