South African trade officials recently met with their US counterparts in Washington to discuss strained relations and negotiate the lifting of heavy tariffs imposed by the United States. The talks, described as “cordial and constructive” by South Africa’s department of trade, industry and competition, were led by Trade Minister Parks Tau and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The meeting followed three days of intense discussions by senior officials from both countries, resulting in the establishment of a “roadmap” that will be prioritized in future talks. Although there was no immediate word on the outcome, the South African ministry expressed optimism about the progress made.

Relations between South Africa and the US have been strained since President Donald Trump took office. The US has frozen key development aid to South Africa and expelled the country’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, after he publicly criticized the Trump administration. Additionally, the US has imposed a 30% tariff on South African imports, one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, which could lead to significant job losses in a country already struggling with high unemployment.

South Africa’s government has been trying to resolve the issue, with President Cyril Ramaphosa previously meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. The latest talks, however, appear to have been more productive, with Minister Tau praising Ambassador Greer for his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

The US is one of South Africa’s most important economic and investment partners, with bilateral trade worth $15.1 billion in 2024. South Africa’s exports to the US totaled $8.2 billion, while US imports into South Africa totaled $6.9 billion. The resolution of the trade dispute is crucial for South Africa’s economy, which is currently experiencing slow growth and high unemployment.

The establishment of a roadmap for future talks is a positive step towards resolving the trade tensions between the two countries. As South Africa continues to navigate its economic challenges, the successful negotiation of the tariffs could provide a much-needed boost to the country’s economy. The next steps in the negotiations will be closely watched, as the outcome has significant implications for the economic relationship between South Africa and the US.