H.Res. 712 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 712 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES August 1, 2014 Mr. Rush submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should initiate negotiations to enter into a bilateral free trade agreement with the Republic of South Africa. Whereas South Africa is the 34th largest economy in the world and is a member of the Group of Twenty (G–20) and in a enhanced engagement partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); Whereas South Africa has signed 12 trade agreements with several countries and the European Free Trade Association, 4 of which are free trade agreements; Whereas South Africa has concluded two trade agreements with the United States as well as successfully participated in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA); Whereas United States exports to South Africa totaled $10 billion in 2012; Whereas South Africa is currently the United States 38th largest trading partner for goods with $15.8 billion in total trade in goods in 2013; Whereas South Africa was the United States 36th largest export market for goods in 2013; Whereas the amount of United States exports of goods to South Africa in 2013 was $7.3 billion, an increase of 159 percent from 2003; Whereas United States exports of agricultural products to South Africa totaled $295 million in 2013 with leading categories including dairy products, wheat, planting seeds, and poultry; Whereas the amount of United States exports of private commercial services (excluding military and government) to South Africa was $2.7 billion in 2012, an increase of 115 percent from 2002 levels; Whereas South Africa is a democratic, secular, unitary, constitutional republic, with a proud heritage that shares many of the fundamental values of the United States; Whereas South Africa is the largest, most diversified, highly industrialized economy in Africa; Whereas the average per capita income in South Africa is among the highest of African countries; and Whereas closer relations with South Africa through free trade agreements would encourage further privatization in South Africa’s economy: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should initiate negotiations to enter into a bilateral free trade agreement with the Republic of South Africa.