Cyril Ramaphosa Hopeful of Striking Trade Deal With USA Ahead of 30% Tariffs, SA Not That Optimistic
- Cyril Ramaphosa has provided an update on how talks are going with Donald Trump over his new tariffs
- The president detailed what South Africa offered the United States of America as part of a proposed trade deal
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the tariffs and Ramaphosa's response to the looming 30%
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs slapped on South Africa will only take effect in seven days, but the country has yet to agree on a deal with the United States of America.
The US President’s new tariff regime was set to go into effect on Friday, 1 August 2025, but will now be implemented on 7 August 2025 to give Customs and Border Protection sufficient time to make the necessary changes for collecting the new duties.
With nearly 70 countries granted a slight reprieve for seven more days, President Cyril Ramaphosa is still hopeful of a trade deal with the US.
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What did Ramaphosa say?
Speaking outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where Professor Firoz Cachalia was sworn in as the new Minister of Police, Ramaphosa said he was still hopeful a deal could be agreed.
The president spoke about what the trade deal on offer consisted of, but clarified that there had been no discussions of the installation of a military base in South Africa by the Americans.
“We put on the table a package that would deal with our trade relations with the United States, containing what we were offering and what we wanted them to offer us," he said.
Ramaphosa also clarified that the government wanted several trade items to be exempted and wanted to offer the US the ability to invest in the local economy, as well as for South African companies to invest in the US.
The president added that negotiations were still underway between the two nations, but noted that South Africa was not the only country to be slapped with the new tariffs, and was not the worst either. Countries like Switzerland (39%), Syria (41%), Myanmar (40%), Laos (40%), Serbia (35%), and Iraq (35%) face higher tariffs.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about Trump’s tariffs?
- In April 2025, Trump backtracked on earlier plans as he paused his tariff hike implementation for 90 days.
- AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said the African National Congress must be held accountable for the tariff increase.
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the tariffs won’t pressure it to drop its case against Israel.
- US President Trump announced his new set of tariffs for some countries, set to take effect in August.
- Ramaphosa challenged some of Trump's statements regarding his latest tariff increase imposed on South Africa.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users shared their thoughts on Ramaphosa’s optimism, but many didn’t have as much hope.
Tracy Khatu said:
“The president is either hopeful or shocked. He’s never sure of anything anyway.”
Gavin Mackay stated:
“Trump’s latest comments about SA aren't good. So, I wonder where the hope is coming from 🤔.”
Ayanda Mashenge Buthelezi recalled:
“I once was like Ramaphosa, hoping my crush and I would get married one day.”
Eleanor Grace added:
“Rama is lying, as usual.”
Mcebo Hlongwa stated:
“Dream on, Rama.”
Alex Sipho said:
“Ramaphosa thinks we are his children. We know behind the scenes, he is deliberately sabotaging the trade deal so he can blame the USA, and his gullible members will believe him.”
Marian Vorster claimed:
"It won’t happen because Trump has conditions, and the ANC is not making headway on what Trump wants."
Dutchess Yolanda Langley joked:
“From shocked to hopeful. That's an improvement 😎.”
John Steenhuisen is concerned about the tariff increase
Briefly News reported that John Steenhuisen was concerned about the upcoming tariffs and what impact they could have.
The Minister of Agriculture expressed concern about the impact it would have on the Agricultural industry.
South Africans weighed in on Steenhuisen's comments and shared their thoughts on Trump's plans.
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Source: Briefly News
