South Africa has urged the United States to exempt its exports from proposed tariffs tied to a forced-labor investigation. During a meeting with the Office of the US Trade Representative, South African officials argued that the country has strong legal safeguards, including legislation prohibiting imports made with forced labor and prison labor, as well as ratification of key International Labor Organization conventions. The delegation urged the US not to impose the proposed 12.5% tariff and sought carve-outs for key exports, including platinum, vehicles, citrus, seafood, wine, and nuts. The request comes amid strained trade relations between the two countries and uncertainty over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which has long provided South Africa with duty-free access to the US market.
AP