South Africa Urged to Sweeten US Trade Deal Before Tariff Deadline
The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China and tariffs of 30% would hit its automobile and farming industries hard.
Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/BloombergThe US urged South Africa to improve its trade offer as Pretoria waits to hear what tariff President Donald Trump will impose on its exports to the world’s largest economy.
South Africa hopes to negotiate a lower levy than the 30% already allocated by Trump, with a deadline to strike a deal by Friday. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said US officials weren’t sure themselves what the president would decide and had encouraged South African officials to submit an enhanced proposal.