South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday that the country is engaged in “intensive negotiations” with the United States to avoid the looming 30-percent tariffs recently announced by President Donald Trump.
The tariffs, initially scheduled to take effect on August 1, have been delayed by one week, giving Pretoria time to push for a resolution.
“Within the window that’s still open, we’re hoping that we will find a way to settle this matter,” Ramaphosa told journalists.
“So intensive negotiations are now under way.”
South Africa is one of nearly 70 nations targeted by the new U.S. tariff regime, which threatens to hit its export economy hard.
The United States is the country’s second-largest trading partner after China, and the new measures could cost the local economy as many as 100,000 jobs, according to central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago.
“Our task is to negotiate as strongly and as hard as we can with the United States,” Ramaphosa added. “Our objective, really, is to save jobs.”
The sectors most at risk from the 30-percent tariff hike include agriculture and automotive manufacturing, both critical industries in a nation grappling with an unemployment rate above 30 percent.
While engaging with Washington, South Africa is also working to diversify its export destinations to reduce dependence on any single market.
“Because it is too risky just to focus on one,” the president explained.
According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa has proposed to import U.S. liquefied natural gas and agricultural goods as part of its offer to ease trade tensions.
Additionally, South African companies have pledged to invest in the U.S mining and metals recycling sectors, with further plans for joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, agri-machinery, and critical minerals development.
