Ramaphosa leans on Japan as gateway out of US tariff quagmire

SA president praises Japan's willingness to adjust tariffs for strained partners

- BANELE GININDZA

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded Japan's willingness to adjust tariffs for its strained partners, viewing it as a significant opportunity for deeper bilateral tariff cooperation in a bid to bolster South Africa's international trade in the face of evolving global tariffs.

Speaking at the South Africa-Japan Business Forum on the margins of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) Summit in Yokohama on Thursday, Ramaphosa said Japan is a key pillar in South Africa's outreach.

Ramaphosa made clear South Africa's readiness to engage in strategic sectors such as battery minerals, automotive components, renewable energy equipment, and hydrogen technologies.

He outlined how his government has swiftly activated diversification strategies in the wake of recent tariff decisions by the United States that have challenged South Africa's historical reliance on certain markets.

"The recent tariff decisions by the United States have tested South Africa's reliance on historical markets. We call on our Japanese counterparts to support tariff cooperation to ease market access for African goods," Ramaphosa said.

"We seek partnerships in infrastructure, energy and digital development through blended finance. We also seek partnerships in financing skills devel-