JOHANNESBURG – South African president Cyril Ramaphosa engaged United States (US) president Donald Trump ahead of the US’ announcement to impose 30% tariffs on the country’s exports yesterday. 

The leaders agreed to continue further discussions, according to the government.

The South African government has been working hard to negotiate the removal of tariffs, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, which they warn could threaten around 30 000 jobs. 

The phone call between the presidents on Wednesday focused on bilateral trade issues, according to Ramaphosa’s office. 

The statement noted that “the two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements, recognising the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in.” It added that “respective trade negotiating teams will advance more detailed discussions.” 

Separately, the presidency’s ministry stated that Ramaphosa contacted president Trump by phone on Tuesday morning to strengthen South Africa’s negotiations on trade agreements. The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China. The tariffs are expected to mainly impact South Africa’s agriculture, automotive, and textiles sectors, though 35% of exports are exempt, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber products and certain critical minerals. -Nampa/AFP