Overview
- President Cyril Ramaphosa said negotiations with Washington have shifted to text-based drafting toward a revised tariff arrangement.
- The United States imposed a 30% import tax on South African goods in August under President Donald Trump, and the levy remains in force pending an agreement.
- Ramaphosa voiced hope for conclusion "fairly soon" while cautioning that government timelines can shift.
- Switzerland, reportedly facing a 39% U.S. tariff, is pursuing its own talks, and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter noted the outcome ultimately depends on the U.S. president.
- South Africa signed five memorandums of understanding with Switzerland on economic cooperation and is deepening outreach to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia to widen market access.