South Africa Presses Washington to Ease Trade Tariffs

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dispatched a trade delegation to Washington, aiming to reverse steep tariffs imposed by the US. The 30% levies, imposed by President Donald Trump, target South African imports and stem from accusations of discriminatory laws against white people and Pretoria’s deepening ties with Russia and China. Ramaphosa is also expected to appoint a new ambassador after its last ambassador was expelled, signaling Pretoria’s bid to reset relations. Yet analysts warn that Washington’s punitive measures could backfire, driving South Africa and other African nations further into Beijing’s orbit. According to one economist, US pressure risks handing China an even stronger foothold on the continent than it currently has.

SEMAFOR