Citrus growers jittery

Trump: South Africa among those fearing he'll scrap duty-free

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Citrus growers in South Africa are among the businesses most nervous that duty-and-quota-free exports to the United States could be scrapped next year when Donald Trump takes office again.

The fruits are among 1,800 products across 32 African countries benefiting from preferential market access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), with companies in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana reaping the most dollars in profits.

But with president-elect Trump having vowed to impose at least a 10% tariff on all imports to the United States, there is no certainty Agoa will be renewed.

Analysts say the legislation, passed in 2000 and set to expire next year, could be modified, if not withdrawn altogether, with potential negative ramifications for companies and jobs across Africa.

"We need this competitive edge," Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa, which also represents Zimbabwe and Swaziland-based orchards, said.

"Should South Africa be removed from Agoa, thousands of rural jobs could be impacted, as well as over R1 billion in export revenue could be lost," he said.