南非政府已向美国贸易代表办公室提出申请，请求免除针对其出口产品拟议征收的 12.5% 关税 [1]。该申请背景是美国正在进行的 Section 301 调查，旨在审查包括至少 60 个经济体在内的对象是否充分执行了禁止强制劳动进口产品的禁令 [1]。南非代表团在提交的材料中强调，该国拥有健全的法律体系以禁止强迫劳动，并指出目前没有证据表明其关键出口商品涉及此类问题 [1]。
此次申请豁免的关键出口商品涵盖铂族金属、汽车、柑橘类水果、海鲜、葡萄酒以及坚果等类别 [1]。近年来，美南贸易关系因关税政策分歧、美国国内政治立场差异以及在加沙战争等问题上的不同态度而持续紧张 [1]。针对此项调查，美国贸易代表办公室在近期听证会后已给予相关方提交补充材料的机会，截止日期为本周四 [1]。
South African officials have petitioned the U.S. Trade Representative's office for an exemption from proposed tariffs linked to a federal investigation into alleged forced labor in imported goods [1]. The request specifically targets a 12.5% levy that would apply if the United States determines certain economies fail to adequately enforce laws prohibiting the importation of products made with forced labor [1]. South Africa's delegation emphasized its robust legal framework against coerced work and stated there is no evidence suggesting key exports are tainted by such practices [1].
The U.S. inquiry, conducted under Section 301, examines whether at least 60 economies fully comply with prohibitions on importing goods produced through forced labor [1]. South Africa's primary export sectors facing potential scrutiny include platinum group metals, automobiles, citrus fruits, seafood, wine, and nuts [1]. Relations between the two nations have recently strained due to disagreements over tariffs, domestic policies, and positions regarding the war in Gaza . Following a recent hearing, U.S. authorities granted South Africa an opportunity to submit supplementary materials before Thursday's deadline [1].