President Barack Obama reinstates trade agreement between South Africa and the US, suspended over import of meat products dispute

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — President Barack Obama has reinstated a trade agreement between South Africa and the United States that was suspended after a dispute over the import of meat products.

National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Monday the U.S. welcomed South Africa’s agreement to restore market access for American meat products.

U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard said U.S. chicken products, the last issue in months-long negotiations, have entered the South African market.

The agreement was suspend last year after a disagreement over chicken, beef and pork products sent to South Africa from the U.S.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act, passed in 2000, gives sub-Saharan countries access to the U.S. market while offering incentives to American companies operating in these countries.