United States International Trade Commission in South Africa
As an independent Federal Agency, the United States International Trade Commission has a great responsibility, not only to the United States but to the countries it trades with, such as South Africa. The United States Trade Commission deals with investigations into imports on a general scale and in regard to domestic industries. Any imports between South Africa and the United States is based on international trade rules and regulations, and all information in regard to the trades are analysed by the United States International Trade Commission and serves as a trade data base. All the information that is gathered by the US Trade Commission, is available to the public, as an informative and education tool to the industry.
South African and Australian navels are exported to the United States, as fall and late summer navel oranges are not available in the United States, and therefore relies on the trade of orange and lemon industries to make up for this short fall. This has caused an increase in competition with foreign suppliers. In the major markets, the United States has to compete with exports from Australia, Chile and South Africa.
Being the world’s largest producer and exporter, with rich mineral resources, South Africa is the export leader of gold and platinum. Platinum has replaced gold, as South Africa’s foreign exchange earner. With a great number of resources, South Africa exports stainless steels, ferroalloys, synthetic fuels, mining equipment and other mineral related products. Also on the South African export list, are products such as wool, tobacco, sugarcane, fruits, wheat and a range of dairy products. South Africa’s large scale production of these products, ensures that the local and international markets are catered for.
Being a member of the World Trade Organization, or WTO, the United States qualifies for South Africa’s most favoured nation tariffs. South Africa is also eligible for the benefits given under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, with allows most of the South African products to enter the United States duty free. Products regulated by international treaties, require permits, but generally, South Africa has done away with permits.
There is great ongoing export and import activity taking place between the United States and South Africa, which includes a variety of products. And it is the responsibility of the US Trade Commission to ensure that all transactions are recorded and run according to regulations.