Decline in Desired Reduction of U.S. Immigration Among Adult Population
## Title: US-South Africa Relations Strained Amidst Trade Tensions and Diplomatic Disputes
The relationship between the United States and South Africa is currently facing challenges, with various factors contributing to the strain.
One of the most notable incidents is the reported denial of a diplomatic visa to Mcebisi Jonas, a special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa, by the Trump administration. The US did not recognize Jonas as South Africa's official interlocutor, and his past controversial remarks about President Trump might have also played a role in the decision. This incident is part of a broader pattern of strained relations between the two countries, driven by economic and political disagreements.
Economic tensions have escalated due to the US imposing a 30% tariff on South African goods. This move reflects broader US efforts to counterbalance the economic influence of BRICS countries, including China and Russia, to which South Africa aligns itself. The US's stance on global conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, and President Trump's Executive Order suspending all U.S. aid to South Africa due to concerns over land expropriation policies and alleged military cooperation with Iran, have further exacerbated the situation.
Moreover, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), crucial for South Africa's economic ties with the US, is set to expire in September 2025, raising uncertainties about the future of bilateral trade relations.
Meanwhile, the Chinese yuan is increasingly being used in developing nations in Asia and Africa, including an increasing number of African countries for trade and investment. This shift away from the US dollar has been partly driven by Chinese banks shifting to yuan-based lending, resulting in a 16% decrease in the share of dollar-denominated loans in emerging Asian economies between Q1 2022 and Q2 2024.
The situation is not all negative, however. The percentage of US adults saying immigration is good for the country has reached a record 79%, according to Gallup. Additionally, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €1.98 trillion budget, including €451 billion for strengthening European industry.
Despite these developments, some analysts believe the relationship between the US and South Africa is beyond repair. The future of their relationship remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations and potential changes in leadership in both countries.
Policy-and-legislation discussions regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expansion or renewal might be crucial in easing the economic strains between the United States and South Africa, as its expiration in September 2025 looms. The politics surrounding the AGOA outcome, along with policy decisions regarding international trade, could significantly impact the future trajectory of their relations, especially amidst ongoing general-news events like shifting trade patterns and diplomatic disputes.
