The South African government has accused the United States of introducing new issues into ongoing trade negotiations after Washington announced plans to withdraw the country's benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The US announced on Monday that South Africa and Rwanda would be excluded from the preferential Africa-US trade programme, which allows eligible African countries to export certain goods to the US duty-free.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the decision was based on practices that Washington considers inconsistent with AGOA's eligibility requirements.
He cited barriers that allegedly undermine American trade and investment, as well as practices viewed as threats to US national security and foreign policy interests in the region.
The exclusions are expected to take effect on January 1.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) said Washington was raising issues that had not previously formed part of negotiations, which began in 2025.
The department said South Africa had made concessions through the appropriate channels, going beyond those offered in 2015, while ensuring that its biosecurity, constitutional obligations and commitments under World Trade Organisation rules were protected.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the US decision should not be viewed as a reflection of the broader relationship between the two countries.
Tau said resolving the dispute would depend on both parties' willingness to find common ground.
He acknowledged concerns about the potential impact of the decision on communities and industries that depend on AGOA-supported trade.
The minister added that government had proactively retained measures available to respond to reciprocal tariffs and would continue accelerating efforts to diversify South Africa's export markets.