3. He fails to mention that AGOA (as it was originally negotiated) was due to expire in 2015, but was extended a further 10 years to 2025 by Obama, in return for us reducing / eliminating duties on US chicken imports. 49% percent of our chicken imports now come from the USA, and they have been accused of dumping. https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/us-allowed-dump-more-chicken-south-africa
So, to sum it up,
- SA Vehicle exports to the US are insignificant (3%)
- SA Citrus exports to the US are almost insignificant. (8%, and that includes Canada)
- SA Chicken exports from the US are extremely significant, and have damaged our local poultry industry. (49% of imports)
He also mentioned that the US has a competitive advantage at "manufacturing smartphones". That would be China.
I feel the need to point out some facts regarding the above.
1. The USA is not one of our top 5 vehicle export destinations. See https://www.carmag.co.za/news/sa-car-industrys-top-export-destinations/. It is after Belgium on that list, with around 3% of our export volumes.
2. He extensively mentions citrus. It seems we only export 8% of our citrus to North America. Also bear in mind the US (Florida) is a major citrus producing region, so they really don't want our naartjies. https://www.agbiz.co.za/uploads/documents/library/general-interest/13_10-tinashe-on-citrus-exports.pdf
3. He fails to mention that AGOA (as it was originally negotiated) was due to expire in 2015, but was extended a further 10 years to 2025 by Obama, in return for us reducing / eliminating duties on US chicken imports. 49% percent of our chicken imports now come from the USA, and they have been accused of dumping. https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/us-allowed-dump-more-chicken-south-africa
So, to sum it up,
- SA Vehicle exports to the US are insignificant (3%)
- SA Citrus exports to the US are almost insignificant. (8%, and that includes Canada)
- SA Chicken exports from the US are extremely significant, and have damaged our local poultry industry. (49% of imports)
He also mentioned that the US has a competitive advantage at "manufacturing smartphones". That would be China.
Great post Johan. You can add to your arguments what the research shows about exporter firms - they are more productive, the pay better wages etc.