President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with US President Donald Trump on bilateral trade matters, as the 30% tariffs are expected to take effect at midnight.
The telephone call comes as South Africa is still waiting for feedback from the US administration, regarding the Framework Deal it presented to Washington, with the hope that the tariffs will be reviewed as soon as the two countries reach a deal.
“The two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements recognizing the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in.
Respective trade negotiating teams will take forward more detailed discussions,” read a statement from the presidency.
Meanwhile, briefing the media in Cape Town following Wednesday’s post-cabinet meeting, minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said the government is optimistic that there’s room for engagement and review of US tariffs.
“Government’s efforts remain focused on growing the economy to save and create new jobs, including intensifying diversification efforts and strengthening global supply chain integration as the country works to expand its export markets to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and across Africa to enhance our economic resilience,” said Ntshavheni.
In addition, the minister said the government is focusing on demand side interventions in the impacted industries and targeted interventions to ensure industry stability and safeguard employment.
“The establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for affected companies.
Measures to assist companies to absorb the tariff and facilitate long-term resilience and growth strategies to protect jobs and productive capacity in South Africa.
A Localisation Support Fund (LSF) for affected companies to contribute to the national effort,” explained the minister.
Meanwhile, Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, will on Monday brief the media regarding punitive tariffs.
