JOHANNESBURG – South African Trade Minister Parks Tau met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for discussions , aimed at resolving the 30% tariff imposed last month by US President Donald Trump on South African imports the steepest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa and a threat to thousands of jobs as South Africa faces sluggish growth and unemployment above 30%.
Tau’s office described the encounter as cordial and constructive, following three days of intensive talks among senior officials, and said both sides committed to a roadmap for future negotiations seeking a final agreement.
The US Trade Representative’s office has not yet commented publicly on the meeting, which comes amid strained relations between the two nations over issues such as Trump’s unfounded claims of persecution of South Africa’s white minority and the resulting refugee program for white South Africans.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has indicated that to achieve lower US tariffs, South Africa may need to address some of Trump’s criticisms, including opposition to affirmative action measures intended to counter apartheid-era racial discrimination.