South Africa’s continued inclusion in AGOA offers breathing space for the repair and parts sector, which relies heavily on exports and imports to keep costs manageable.
MISA highlighted the damage caused when AGOA was suspended in 2025, with vehicle and part exports collapsing from R26.5 billion in early 2024 to just R9.8 billion. “From the beginning of August 2025, South Africa was subjected to a 30% blanket tariff,” said Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations. “This further increased the cost for US businesses importing vehicles from South Africa.”
Dawie Roodt of the Efficient Group warned that South Africa’s automotive industry depends on AGOA: “This means that Government should remain neutral on international issues where the US are involved instead of taking an opposing position in the best interest of the economy.”
Professor Piet Croucamp disagreed, arguing that tariffs were politically motivated: “Trump is using trade to punish South Africa, using tariffs as a type of sanction for what he is led to believe about the country.”
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
