Part 4 of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Goods contains several provisions on trade remedies and safeguards. Article 17 states that the State Parties may apply anti-dumping and countervailing measures, guided by the provisions of Annex 9 on Trade Remedies and the applicable AfCFTA Guidelines, and “in accordance with relevant WTO Agreements”. Global Safeguard Measures are also permissible. Article 19 of the Protocol allows for Preferential Safeguards in respect of trade in goods under the AfCFTA.

The implementation of trade remedies and safeguards as part of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Goods will have important trade governance consequences and benefits. It will enhance the rules-based administration of trade in goods under the AfCFTA and in other trade agreements to which African States belong, including the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the WTO.

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