Lawmakers Unlikely to Level Early AGOA Termination on South Africa, Says Isakson
U.S. and South African poultry industries are “talking seriously” and edging closer to a deal to open the South African market for more U.S. exports, said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., on May 14. Isakson and Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., have threatened to amend trade legislation to terminate South African status as an African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiary after three years if South African industry doesn’t concede more access. The two lawmakers have for months railed against antidumping duties on U.S. exports. “We don’t have a deal yet but we’re getting closer,” said Isakson in an interview. “Having the stick is better than using the stick. I’d rather still have the carrot of working together.” The Senate overwhelmingly passed the preference package, which includes AGOA renewal, on May 14 (see 1505140029).
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Timely, relevant coverage of court proceedings and agency rulings involving tariffs, classification, valuation, origin and antidumping and countervailing duties. Each day, Trade Law Daily subscribers receive a daily headline email, in-depth PDF edition and access to all relevant documents via our trade law source document library and website.
Lawmakers didn’t amend the package on the Senate floor, but Isakson led the effort to tack an out-of-cycle review, which is conducted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, on South Africa 30 days after AGOA renewal becomes law (see 1504230001). "That’s all we need to do,” said Isakson. “I don’t think [another] amendment is going to be put on the bill.” Coons also recently agreed the two industries are making progress in negotiations (see 1505070067). The U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council, the main negotiator on behalf of U.S. industry, didn't respond to a request for comment.