US EditionAfrica: US Tariffs Push South Africa to Diversify Trade Reach
South Africa aims to reduce US tariffs imposed in August 2025 that threaten thousands of jobs in automobiles and citrus sectors, with negotiations ongoing and progress reported.
- On October 29, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa said negotiations with the United States were ongoing and that `soon could be tomorrow, next week, next month` in Bern.
- Facing tariffs, South Africa is pressing the US to lift hefty levies by President Donald Trump that risk thousands of jobs in the automobile and citrus fruit sectors.
- Ramaphosa said the talks were `based on text`, reflecting progress toward an agreement, and added `We share notes,` signaling coordination with Swiss counterpart Karin Keller-Sutter in Bern, Switzerland.
- Swiss officials say a lower levy remains elusive, and Karin Keller-Sutter said `in the end the US president decides` while urging patience and hoping for rapid progress.
- Bern noted broader ties as it aims to modernise the Southern African Customs Union–European Free Trade Association accord and says bilateral trade is about 6.25 billion Swiss francs.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Africa: US Tariffs Push South Africa to Diversify Trade Reach
[SAnews.gov.za] Bern, Switzerland -- President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is hopeful of reaching a trade agreement with the United States soon, following ongoing text-based negotiations aimed at addressing the impact of steep tariffs imposed under the Trump administration.
Pacific Daily News
S. African president eyes better US tariff deal 'soon'
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Wednesday that his country has advanced to "text-based" negotiations with Washington towards securing a better tariff deal -- and hoped one would materialise "soon".
South African President Hopes to Sign US Trade Deal “Pretty Soon”South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said talks on a trade deal with the United States, which is set to ease high tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, are nearing completion. The deal could be signed soon, affecting thousands of jobs in the automotive and citrus industries.
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