Many of the country’s exports could be affected by what the government decides in the next 60 days.
Confusion and uncertainty about nuclear security could hurt South Africa’s favoured nation status.
A poultry industry row with the United States could cost South Africa billions of rands and thousands of jobs.
In addition to SA’s relatively advanced development, the US disapproves of the country for its ‘antagonism’, focus on Brics, and Middle East position.
Many Africans feel America is lagging behind China and others in its engagement with their continent.
The US agriculture department has met with Agriculture Deputy Minister Pieter Mulder to discuss trade opportunities with sub-Saharan Africa.
Everyone stands to gain if Africa can sustain and accelerate its progress in tackling poverty and finding jobs for its growing young population.
The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry "is heartened" by Barack Obama’s move to extend a tariff-free trade agreement with Africa beyond 2015.
The US has urged AU countries to take advantage of a trade act which grants well-governed African states preferential access to the US economy.
African nations exporting to the US under a deal should boost sales rather than pushing to extend the agreement, US trade representative Ron Kirk.