Cyril Ramaphosa says AGOA suspension by US "is indeed a negative for us"

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that Washington’s announced suspension of South Africa from the AGOA trade program in January would harm his country, speaking to reporters after casting a ballot in municipal elections. He argued that Pretoria should instead pursue a two-way trade pact with the US, adding that dealings with Washington would not stop and that South Africa is seeking other export markets. The comments came amid badly strained relations: Washington has cut aid and expelled South Africa’s previous ambassador, and this week moved to end its tariff-free entry to the US market. President Donald Trump has cited alleged persecution of white South Africans, which Pretoria rejects as a false narrative pushed by marginal groups.