Parks Tau, the South African Trade Minister, recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to further conversations on mending their trade relationship, as it relates to the U.S’s heavy tariffs on the Southern African nation.
Since assuming office, the Donald Trump administration has championed an “America First” policy, characterized by the imposition of increased trade tariffs on nations it deems to be engaging in unfair trade practices against American goods.
Trump justified the decision by accusing South Africa of maintaining “closed trading markets” and imposing “unfair tariff and non-tariff barriers” that put U.S. exports at a disadvantage.
As seen on Reuters, the tariff rate, the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, has the potential to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs at a time when South Africa’s economy is experiencing minimal expansion and the unemployment rate remains above 30%.
This, of course, has sullied the trade relationship between both countries, as South Africa’s trade with the U.S continues to dip.
As a result, South Africa has attempted to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement with the United States via the meeting between both ministers.
“Minister Tau held a cordial and constructive meeting with the USTR on matters of mutual interest. The meeting was preceded by intensive three-day discussions by senior officials,” South Africa’s trade ministry said in a statement.
“Both parties agreed to a roadmap that will inform future engagements towards the conclusion of the process.”
Deteriorating relationship between South Africa and the U.S.
South Africa’s relationship with the United States deteriorated significantly in 2025, with disputes encompassing trade, diplomacy, and aid.
The dispute deepened as Washington criticised South Africa’s land reform plans, arguing they discriminated against white landowners. Pretoria slammed the claims as “misinformation,” arguing that the measures are lawful and required to address historical inequities.
The economic consequences have also been considerable.
The United States increased tariffs on South African exports and hinted at revisiting the country’s preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Meanwhile, assistance cuts, notably decreases in HIV/AIDS financing, have sparked concern about the impact on ordinary South Africans.
Despite the diplomatic rift, President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that mending relations with the United States remains a priority.
South Africa is also increasing its involvement with other partners, such as BRICS allies and European markets, to soften the blow.
