AgriSA hopes engagement between Ramaphosa and Trump yields positive trade deal

JOHANNESBURG - AgriSA says it hopes the bilateral engagements between President Cyril Ramaphosa and United States (US) President Donald Trump yield a positive trade deal.

Ramaphosa is set to meet Trump later on Wednesday.

AgriSA CEO Johann Kotze said America is a significant market in the farming business, and it would be a blow to the sector if trade deals between the two countries fall through.

“I think trade in general for us as agriculture, is a major thing for us and America is a significant market. So, the first thing is if we are talking general, we would love to see that there’s a trade deal where agriculture and mining and manufacturing are in, what we had in AGOA [African Growth and Opportunity Act].”

Kotze said they stand behind Ramaphosa as he represents the country, including any deals he may walk away with.

“So, when we went to America a few weeks ago, and I think what came to mind while being there is that we may not lose focus of what we are good in as agriculture. And whatever the outcome is going to be, if we lose AGOA or the principles of trading under AGOA, it doesn't matter what we lose or what we're going to win. We may not lose this hope and this faith that we represent as agriculture in South Africa.”

He also added that farmers in South Africa are often painted political corner, whatever the outcome is, if they lose AGOA or the principles of trading under AGOA.

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