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

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imports from Africa's most developed economy last month after Ramaphosa's government made several unsuccessful attempts to propose a trade agreement. Ramaphosa said the South African officials would meet representatives of Trump's administration, lawmakers and business figures in New York and Washington. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not immediately respond to a Reuters request to confirm the talks.

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.