ANC NEC meeting has no plans to stop US tariffs, say analysts

THE ANC is unlikely to resolve its differences with the US in time to avert the impending 30% tariff on South African exports.

- MANYANE MANYANE

This is according to some political analysts as the party held its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Johannesburg at the weekend.

The tariff is expected to take effect on August 7, as announced by the Trump administration on Thursday.

South Africa is the only country from sub-Saharan Africa singled out in the announcement, reflecting the US's strained relationship with Pretoria.

Other African nations, including Lesotho and Zimbabwe, have been hit with a 15% tariff, which will also come into effect in seven days.

The decision is a huge blow to South Africa, as the US is its second-biggest trading partner and comes despite trying to agree a trade deal, which included buying US liquefied natural gas, simplifying rules for poultry imports and investing in US industries like mining.

On Saturday, ANC NEC member Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa told journalists that there had been a focused discussion on the US tariffs, describing it as "spirited and robust".

Ramokgopa said the negotiations between South Africa and the US were ongoing, adding that both countries would be able to find each other.