The current trade threat that South Africa faces in 2023 regarding its African Growth Opportunity Act (Agoa) non-renewal is not new but part of the “ebb and flow” of a mix of issues - ranging from geopolitics to the power of industry lobby groups in the US.
There is no doubt that the post-Covid pandemic and Ukraine-Russia conflict has put multiple pressures on world order and geopolitical fractures, in particular. This has come to signify severe punishments and threats for nations that have chosen a non-aligned position, such as South Africa.
The case of Walmart’s takeover of Massmart a few years ago is instructive. Today, despite the investment, many
