This paper outlines the influence of other trade agreements on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Africa and the European Union (EU). The multilateral framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the World Trade Organisation for a FTA is shown. In addition, other agreements, including the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community and the Lome Convention have an impact on both the negotiations and the final FTA by reducing the negotiation margin. The agriculture offers from both parties are described. The exclusion of important products does not mean that farther trade is prohibited, but that no favourable access to the other market will be gained Large parts of the export-orientated fruit sector will gain from a FTA. Otherwise the effects on the South African agricultural sector will be limited.
