More struggle ahead with US trade relations amidst tariff hikes

A SENIOR government official within the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has detailed the last-minute discussions with their US counterparts in efforts to lower or avert Donald Trump's tariff hikes.

- MANYANE MANYANE and MASHUDU SADIKE

So tense were the discussions that officials sometimes had sleepless nights working to secure a deal, while the government tried to keep the news under wraps to avoid jeopardising the talks.

"Yes, there has been huge pressure and last-minute talks to try to convince the US government to at least cut the tariffs to 15%, but that is a matter the department would have to confirm with you at a later stage if it succeeds.

"Our government has been working on it, but I can tell you now it does not look good because discussions have started late despite the president having indicated that they have made efforts to reach Trump," the source said.