South Africa has retained its preferential access to US markets under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for 2025, despite political tensions stemming from its close ties with China, refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and anti-Israel stance. This decision reflects the Biden administration’s strategic interest in maintaining economic ties to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Africa, even as US lawmakers criticize Pretoria’s actions, such as taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza.