Overview
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will not invite the South African government to any G20 engagements during the 2026 U.S. presidency, formalizing a break with past practice.
- Washington’s 'New G20' will organize work through four groups centered on cutting regulatory burdens, securing energy supply chains, and advancing new technologies, with first Sherpa and Finance Track meetings set for Dec. 15–16 in Washington and a leaders' summit planned in Miami in December 2026.
- The administration highlighted Poland as a welcomed partner, signaling an expanded invite list to include major economies and selected allies under the U.S.-run format.
- Pretoria said it will take a 'commercial break' from U.S.-led G20 events, will not lobby other countries to boycott, and maintains it is a fully fledged member that should be treated as an equal sovereign, with President Cyril Ramaphosa saying he has 'no sleepless nights.'
- The move follows a year of deteriorating ties—U.S. boycott of Johannesburg’s summit, expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador, and 30% tariffs—while raising unresolved questions about G20 norms and the scope of exclusion across preparatory meetings.