Senators Predict Imminent AGOA Bill, but Scramble for More South African Poultry Access
The Finance Committee is set to consider African Growth and Opportunity Act renewal "in the next month," and the U.S. and South Africa need to "urgently" strike a deal to address antidumping duties on U.S. poultry, said a bipartisan group of senators in a March 31 letter to the South African trade minister and a special envoy for the preference program (here). Some trade observers expect AGOA to move in April alongside Trade Promotion Authority and several other trade bills, including renewal for the Generalized System of Preferences (see 1503310017).
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Lawmakers have long criticized the duties as a violation of global trade rules. Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., the lead authors of the March 31 letter, recently urged removing South Africa from AGOA if the country fails to improve market access for U.S. poultry (see 1412110001. AGOA is set to expire at the end of September unless renewed.
The South African Poultry Association has shown signs that it's "drawing a hard line" in the talks, said the letter, suggesting SAPA isn't willing to continue honest negotiations. "This message appears to be in sharp and disappointing contrast with the South African government’s approach, which has been earnest, open, and responsible," said the letter. "We also urge you to convey to SAPA the importance of its meeting formally with the U.S.A. Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) in the coming weeks to continue to work on negotiations in real time. We will convey the same message to USAPEEC."