SA, US agree on trade roadmap as economic strain deepens

Trade Minister Parks Tau meets with US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Washington

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

SOUTH Africa and the United States have agreed on a roadmap to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations, despite ongoing tensions over Washington’s 30% tariff on South African exports.

The development comes amid growing concern at home over widespread job cuts across key industries that have been impacted by the US tariffs and the global trade uncertainty.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington on Friday, following three days of intensive talks between senior officials.

The meeting, initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, was described as cordial and constructive, with both sides committing to fast-track the resolution of priority issues. “I will be briefing President Ramaphosa on the outcomes of the discussions and will then engage various stakeholders,’ Tau said.

Ramaphosa is set to lead the South African delegation to the High-Level Segment of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York this week.

The Presidency said he will use the platform to champion a more just, peaceful, and equitable world order, while pressing for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy that better supports developing nations. The US is South Africa's third-largest trading partner, following China and the European Union.