YCLSA calls for SA to stand firm against USA intimidation
The Young Communist League of South Africa [uFasimba] notes the abuse of trade agreements like AGOA by the USA. It has been many years of gross abuse, in which the USA have tried to control and influence South Africa’s economic policies, foreign affairs and other SA Government positions by threatening to end AGOA. This in our view is tantamount to economic terrorism!
AGOA, as is made clear by the apparent reasoning behind the USA's threats, is not a one way deal. Indeed the USA, as an imperialist nation, portrays this AGOA as if it is a gift to South Africa, as if it is charity, when it is in fact a trade agreement through which the USA want to accommodate their economic interests.
The jobs that are threatened in one sector, are jobs protected in another. We are open to conversation and negotiation but the South African government has stood firm in their view that we are not and will not be a dumping ground for unregulated low quality chicken, beef or pork.
Furthermore, the impact of allowing the USA to dump their produce on our markets would lead to massive job losses in our agricultural sector and would create a job and local economy crisis in SA. Clearly the USA is attempting to frustrate South Africa and trying to use AGOA to expand their own selfish interests.