South African Trade Minister Parks Tau has met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for talks aimed at rolling back steep tariffs on South African imports, his office said on Friday. Africa’s largest economy is seeking a deal after repeated attempts to secure an agreement failed.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa, the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The levy could result in tens of thousands of job losses at a time when South Africa’s economy is barely growing and unemployment remains above 30%.
“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.
It added that both sides agreed on “a roadmap that will inform future engagements towards the conclusion of the process.”
Don’t Miss this:
South African Business Confidence Falls In Q3 As U.S. Tariffs Bite, Survey Reveals
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the talks.
Relations between South Africa and the U.S. have soured this year over several disputes, including Trump’s unfounded allegations of persecution against South Africa’s white minority. Those claims spurred the creation of a refugee program for white South Africans.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen told Reuters last month that in order to secure lower tariffs, South Africa might need to address some of Trump’s criticisms, including his opposition to affirmative action policies designed to redress apartheid-era racial inequality.
Don’t Miss This:
Coca-Cola To Cut 680 Jobs And Shut Two South African Plants Amid Financial Strain
Image Credit: Reuters
