United States International Trade Commission
As an independent Federal Agency, the United States International Trade Commission regulates trade between the United States and the rest of the world, including South Africa. As is the case on a global scale, import/export trade between the United States and South Africa are subject to stringent international trade rules and regulations. The United States ITC records import/export information on a trade data base which is available to the public, serving as a valuable tool to companies looking for a market for their services and products beyond the borders of the United States. The United States International Trade Commission also handles investigations into import/export business that may be suspected of violating any of the rules and regulations governing foreign trade.
South Africa benefits from the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which permits a wide range of around 1,800 products from Africa and South Africa into the U.S. market duty free. In turn, South Africa is the largest importer of U.S. manufactured products in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby fostering a healthy trading relationship between the two countries. ThAfrica Growth and Opportunity Act will remain in place until 2015, whereupon it will be reviewed. The reason for the drafting and signing of AGOA was summed up by then-President George Bush when he stated: “There’s a growing consensus in both Africa and the United States that open trade and international investment are the surest and fastest ways for Africa to make progress.” Certainly trade across international borders keeps competition healthy and strengthens economies.
