A bipartisan group of American lawmakers has urged the Biden administration to take action against South Africa for its perceived support of Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, according to the New York Times.
The group has specifically proposed relocating the upcoming Agoa trade conference, originally planned to be held in South Africa, to another country as a form of punishment.
This request was conveyed in a letter sent by the politicians last week, marking the first tangible attempt at retaliation by members of the US government amidst concerns in Washington about South Africa’s evolving relationship with Russia, which is seen as potentially jeopardizing America’s national interests.
The focus of the letter centers on the annual forum for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). Established to foster economic growth, Agoa grants duty-free access to the US trade market for approximately 30 African nations.
The United States imported goods worth approximately $3 billion from South Africa, one of the most developed economies on the continent, under the Agoa agreement last year.