South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, that his administration has dispatched officials to the United States to prepare for formal negotiations aimed at addressing the 30 percent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on South African exports last month. Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Ramaphosa emphasized the government’s intent to secure a mutually beneficial trade and investment deal while safeguarding South Africa’s national interests.
The tariffs, which took effect in August, have significantly impacted key South African export sectors such as automotive assembly, citrus, and wine industries. The president described the tariffs as a challenge that requires rigorous diplomatic engagement and economic resilience. He noted that representatives from the Presidency and the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition are actively meeting with U.S. government officials, legislators, and business leaders in Washington and New York in the lead-up to formal trade talks expected in the coming days.
Ramaphosa underlined that South Africa’s strength in negotiations lies in its critical natural minerals and the desire to export finished products rather than raw materials, indicating a strategic economic vision beyond merely rolling back tariffs. The president assured Parliament that his government would not submit to undue pressure: “South Africa will never go on bended knees,” he stated, affirming the country's resolve to negotiate firmly without compromising key policies.
During the parliamentary session, Ramaphosa faced pointed questions regarding the tariffs’ economic impact and the government’s response strategy. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema criticized what he termed the government’s “grovelling” approach to the U.S., questioning why South Africa had not engaged in retaliatory trade measures similar to those employed by China and the European Union. Ramaphosa refuted this characterization, explaining that South Africa’s multifaceted response includes both diplomatic engagement and domestic support measures.
To mitigate the tariffs’ economic fallout, Ramaphosa highlighted an Economic Response Package approved by Cabinet to bolster South African businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. This includes a Localisation Support Fund aimed at helping companies absorb tariff impacts and an Export and Competitiveness Support Programme designed to provide working capital and equipment financing across industries. The president also emphasized the role of regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a pillar for enhancing export resilience and market diversification.
South Africa's trade relationship with the U.S. has long been significant, with the U.S. ranking as the country’s second-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade, valued at over $17 billion in 2023, encompasses a range of goods and services, including motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and critical minerals. The presence of more than 600 U.S. companies operating in South Africa and South African firms’ investments in the U.S. further cement the importance of this commercial partnership.
In his address, Ramaphosa did not rule out the ongoing exploration of new markets beyond the U.S., stressing the strategic need for diversification to build economic resilience. He also announced plans to appoint a qualified ambassador to the United States to bolster diplomatic efforts.