Ramaphosa unlikely to engage with Trump at United Nations meeting

EXPERTS believe that although President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump are unlikely to meet directly, the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York comes at a crucial time for South Africa and the US to address their bilateral relations.

- MANYANE MANYANE

Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa recently after Ramaphosa's government made several unsuccessful attempts to secure a trade agreement.

The tariff rate is the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa and could cause tens of thousands of job losses at a time when South Africa's economy is barely growing and unemployment is stuck above 30%.

Trump's decision was based on several factors, including the US trade deficit with South Africa and political disagreements with its government. The new tariffs effectively ended South Africa's duty-free access to the US market, which it had previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Trump also accused South Africa of "white genocide", mistreatment of the white minority and unfair land policies. These claims, amplified by allies such as Elon Musk, escalated tensions between the US and South Africa.