South Africa has dispatched officials to the United States to initiate trade negotiations after months of attempts to negotiate a deal with the Trump administration aimed at reversing recently imposed tariffs, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on September 9, 2025.
Last month, US President Donald Trump enacted a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa, following the South African government’s unsuccessful efforts to propose a trade agreement. Ramaphosa stated that representatives from the Presidency and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition are in the US to prepare for formal negotiations, which are expected to occur soon.
The South African officials plan to meet with members of Trump’s administration, lawmakers, and business leaders in both New York and Washington, D.C. However, the US Trade Representative’s office did not confirm the details of the talks when approached by Reuters.
Prior to the tariff implementation, South African officials expressed frustration over Washington’s lack of response to their proposals for a trade deal. A revised proposal was submitted about a month ago, but there were no discussions from the US side.
Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s leverage in the negotiations, particularly its rich natural resources, including critical minerals. He emphasized the desire for these minerals to be exported as finished products rather than raw materials, indicating the focus of discussions with US officials.
This year, South Africa’s diplomatic relationship with the US has deteriorated due to various issues, including Trump’s unfounded accusations against the white minority in South Africa, which led to the establishment of a refugee program for white South Africans.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen mentioned that, to achieve lower tariffs, South Africa may need to address some of Trump’s criticisms, including his opposition to affirmative action laws designed to rectify apartheid-era racial inequalities.