The South African Trade Policy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach, whose objectives are: (a) to ensure an inclusive economic growth and development; (b) to promote industrial upgrading and diversification; (c) to contribute to poverty reduction; (d) to develop sustainable employment. The effects of price raising on food security will be considered carefully to enable access to food at affordable prices particularly for the poor. Tariffs will be applied as a tool to promote food security. Priority will be given to the agricultural sector in poverty reduction as the sector has a great impact on employment creation. The tariff policy will support industrial and agricultural upgrading to generate new employment opportunities. Support measures and services will be provided to assist farmers to enter the mainstream of international trade. Support will be given to black farmers to overcome the difficulties they face in entering the commercial mainstream in the agriculture sector. Attention will be given to promote the development and increase of processed agricultural products in international trade. The application of tariffs in agriculture will be granted due to distorted nature of international agricultural trade. Tariff policy for agriculture will be considered and applied on a case-by-case basis to maximize the potential for value addition and employment generation. An appropriate balance will be ensured between the profitability of farmers and consumer prices. In order to strengthen continental processes regarding diversification and increase in agriculture and industrial production, regional markets and cross border infrastructure will be developed. Priority will be given to achieve common Southern African Customs Union (SACU) policies in the agricultural sector. The agricultural trade will substantially be reformed as foreseen in the Doha Round.
Sudáfrica · 2010-05-01