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South African Trade Minister Parks Tau has held high-level talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to address new tariffs threatening South Africa’s economy. The talks follow last month’s decision by President Donald Trump to impose a steep 30% tariff on South African imports—the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. With unemployment above 30% and growth stagnant, the tariffs pose a danger to the country’s economy and could cost tens of thousands of jobs. Tau described the meeting as “cordial and constructive,” with both sides agreeing to a roadmap for further negotiations. This signals a potential thaw in relations after a period of diplomatic strain—exacerbated by Trump’s criticisms of South Africa’s policies and affirmative action laws.
CNBC Africa