South Africa’s Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau has described his recent trip to Washington as “constructive,” despite the growing trade friction with the United States under President Donald Trump’s second term. His remarks followed meetings with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, held just days before the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) convenes in New York on September 23.

Tau was joined by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, both dispatched to Washington as part of Pretoria’s strategy to reset trade relations and soften the blow of new tariffs imposed on South African exports. In early August, the Trump administration slapped 30% tariffs on a range of South African goods, escalating tensions between the two countries and raising questions over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the preferential trade framework that has long underpinned bilateral commerce.

On X (formerly Twitter), Tau struck an optimistic note: “We held constructive talks with Ambassador Greer on our way forward on SA-US trade relations. Our teams have been in intense negotiations, and I will be briefing President Cyril Ramaphosa on the outcomes in due course.” His comments aimed to project confidence, but the reality of South Africa’s challenge is stark: persuading a protectionist White House to consider Pretoria’s proposals amid Trump’s broader push for reshoring and tariff-driven leverage.

The United States remains a top trade partner for South Africa. According to government data, South African exports to the US were valued at $8.2 billion (around R142 billion) in the most recent year. More than 600 US companies operate in South Africa,........

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