South African exports to the United States worth about R35 billion will be at stake when the Office of the United States Trade Representative launches a review of SA's eligibility for duty-free imports under the US system known as the Generalized System of Preferences.

The review, announced on Friday, was triggered by a complaint from US movie, music, software, and book publishing companies, who accused SA of not doing enough to protect intellectual property.

Amendment legislation on copyright, and the protection of performers, currently awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa's signature will hamper the creative industry, says American umbrella body the Intellectual Property Alliance – and provide for insufficient protection for American movies and textbooks.

Moneyweb