Overview
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the United States will not invite the South African government to any G20 engagements during the 2026 U.S. presidency.
- Washington outlined a rebranded format with four working groups focused on deregulation, secure energy supply chains, and technology and innovation, with initial Sherpa and finance meetings set for Dec. 15–16 in Washington.
- The administration said it will host the world’s largest economies alongside selected partners and highlighted Poland as a featured participant.
- South Africa’s presidency said it will take a “commercial break” from the U.S.-led cycle and plans to re-engage when the United Kingdom assumes the chair in 2027, without lobbying others to boycott.
- The rift follows earlier U.S. actions including ambassador expulsion and new tariffs, as Washington levels disputed allegations about South Africa’s governance and G20 conduct that raise questions about precedent and consensus norms.