Trump could seek duty-free trade with Africa

In a recent interview with Ambassador Herman Cohen, who was the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under George Bush Senior, and who also heads Cohen & Woods (whose goal is to help US companies enter the market in Africa), he discussed his views on what the Trump administration could change for African agriculture.

When asked how the Trump presidency could affect Africa Cohen replied:

"President-elect Trump has spoken of achieving "fairness" in international trade. He also wants American companies to increase their revenues, especially through exports. I have the feeling that he will ask African governments to accept reciprocity in trade relations. Right now, African countries can export their products to the USA duty free, while American exports to Africa pay customs duties. This is a one-way street relationship in bilateral trade relations. I can forecast that a future President Trump will ask for reciprocity. US exports to Africa should be duty free."

Cohen went on to answer a question regarding AGOA and whether it was also in danger. To which he replied, "It will definitely come under review because it gives benefits to African exporters but gives no benefits to US exporters."

He was later asked about his opinion on the Buhari administration's policy on agriculture and if Africa stands to benefit from them, saying:

"It is interesting to note that President Buhari is stepping up President Jonathan's very important initiatives on agriculture. There is no doubt this will pay off in the future. Like I earlier stated in my previous interview with you, new agricultural initiatives like cassava and sugar production are products that will help alleviate the shortage of food and stop so much revenue wasted on food imports. Cassava will definitely add value to the economy. Cassava starch is important to many end users. Five percent of the cattle feed imported by the European Union consists of cassava starch and it provides a tremendous value of revenue, monopolised by Thailand. African countries should be able to compete with Thailand. I see a good future for Nigerian cassava which is a normal product for Nigerians."

source: allafrica.com