Western Cape exporters warn planned AGOA exit could put R13bn and 47,000 jobs at risk

Exporters Western Cape chairman Terry Gale warned that South Africa’s planned loss of preferential access under AGOA could put R12.98 billion in provincial GDP and 11,914 direct and 35,467 indirect jobs at risk. The US government announced that it intends to end South Africa’s eligibility for AGOA duty-free benefits on January 1, 2027. Western Cape exports to the US have already fallen 41%, from R16.89 billion between August 2024 and July 2025 to R10.02 billion between August 2025 and July 2026. Over the same periods, fruit juice exports fell 86% and grape exports declined 79%.