# Solidarity says that with the US extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade programme, South Africa should seize this proverbial olive branch from Washington. In a proclamation issued by US president Donald Trump, the duty-free treatment under AGOA for beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries would remain in effect until 31 December this year. Solidarity says government must ensure it does not weaken its relationship with one of its most important trading partners, through unnecessary policy decisions or diplomatic tensions. It adds that AGOA offers significant benefits to the South African economy.
Solidarity urges government to take the US olive branch seriously following AGOA extension