Trade union Solidarity has dispatched a delegation to the US in an urgent attempt to mitigate what it says is a severe diplomatic fallout and safeguard the country's multibillion-rand trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

The mission comes as relations between South Africa and the US are currently experiencing significant diplomatic strain, driven by friction over domestic policies and foreign alignments.

The US government is currently reviewing South Africa’s eligibility for the trade agreement, which grants thousands of local goods tariff-free access to the lucrative American market.

A suspension from Agoa carries negative economic consequences for South Africa.

According to internal research by Solidarity, exclusion from the agreement could directly threaten upwards of 250 000 local jobs.

Major export-driven sectors, particularly the automotive and agricultural industries, stand to lose their competitive edge overnight, the organisation warned.

The friction stems from Washington's growing dissatisfaction with Pretoria's warm diplomatic ties with Russia, China, and Iran and the US’s apprehensions regarding property rights uncertainty surrounding South Africa's Expropriation Act.

Solidarity said it also stems from failure to effectively prioritise rural farm attacks, as well as a “lack of clear government denunciation” regarding a controversial political chant.

The South African government has faced criticism from Solidarity and its sister organisations for a perceived lack of urgency in addressing these concerns and Solidarity says its international liaison team is taking a proactive approach.

The delegation plans to engage directly with members of Congress, the State Department, and White House officials to emphasise the value of the South African workforce and the mutual benefits of transatlantic trade.

“While we cannot guarantee a favourable outcome, we can do everything in our power to fight for one. That is exactly what we will be doing again in Washington this week,” said Solidarity head of public liaison Jaco Kleynhans.

With the final US decision regarding the 2027 Agoa eligibility list looming, the outcome of these discussions will prove pivotal, the organisation stated.