South Africa Sends Officials to US for Trade Talks on Tariffs

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3 hrs ago

Above: Donald Trump with Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House on May 21, 2025. Image copyright: Jim Watson/Getty Images

story last updated 40 mins ago

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Criticism of Ramaphosa's pragmatic approach by radicals such as Malema is a form of sheer populism, given that the U.S. remains South Africa's second-largest trading partner. Retaliatory tariffs would harm the 600 US companies operating in South Africa and their local employees, potentially escalating into a damaging trade war. The negotiating strategy allows South Africa to leverage its important mineral resources while maintaining its dignity as a sovereign nation.

Daily Maverick IOL

Government-critical narrative

Ramaphosa's approach amounts to a disgraceful, crawling appeasement policy of a U.S. junior partner, which damages the country's reputation in the world, while other major economies, such as China, Canada, and the EU, have imposed retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs. South Africa is not a U.S. colony, and the government's refusal to take a more assertive stance gives the impression of weakness and is incompatible with the policies of a sovereign nation.

The Mail & Guardian The Post