Overview
- Minister Parks Tau said the negotiations have moved to text-based exchanges, with Washington set to deliver a revised draft for Pretoria’s review.
- South Africa expects roughly two weeks to consult stakeholders and secure a cabinet mandate once the U.S. text arrives, formalizing the next stage of talks.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa urged a reduction of the 30% duties and warned at the UN that trade is being used as a weapon, underscoring the political stakes.
- Business leaders report factory suspensions, lost orders, and job cuts in sectors such as automotive, agriculture, chemicals, and metals under the new tariffs.
- Tau noted U.S. appetite to renew AGOA remains possible but uncertain, while B-BBEE is not a current sticking point and Pretoria is accelerating trade diversification, including fresh Chinese investment.