South Africa has sent officials to US for trade talks, president Ramaphosa says

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the South African officials would meet representatives of Trump's administration, lawmakers and business figures in New York and Washington. - REUTERS/Filepic
South Africa has sent officials to the United States to prepare for trade negotiations after attempting for months to strike a deal with the Trump administration to roll back steep tariffs, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday (September 9)
AI Brief
- Trump imposed tariffs on South African imports after failed attempts to negotiate a trade deal.
- South Africa plans to meet US officials to discuss trade, focusing on its critical mineral resources.
- Tensions are high due to political issues, including Trump's claims about white minority persecution and affirmative action laws.
In the days before the tariffs were implemented, South African officials said Washington had not responded to their offers or come to the negotiating table. They submitted a revised proposal for trade deal a month ago.
Ramaphosa said South Africa's leverage was its natural resources, particularly critical minerals, and that discussions with the U.S. were revolving around that.
South Africa's relationship with the U.S. has reached a diplomatic low this year over a number of issues, including Trump's unfounded accusations of persecution against the white minority. Those claims prompted the creation of a refugee program for white South Africans. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen told Reuters last month that to secure lower tariffs South Africa might need to address some of Trump's criticisms, including his opposition to affirmative action laws aimed at redressing apartheid-era racial discrimination.
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