In a significant diplomatic effort to address escalating trade tensions, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, held a pivotal meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, D.C. The talks, which took place on September 19, 2025, aimed to negotiate a resolution to the steep 30% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on South African imports last month. The tariffs, enacted under President Donald Trump’s administration, followed unsuccessful attempts by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government to propose a bilateral trade agreement. According to a statement from South Africa’s trade ministry, the discussions were described as ‘cordial and constructive,’ with both parties agreeing on a roadmap to guide future engagements. The meeting was preceded by three days of intensive negotiations between senior officials from both nations. While the U.S. Trade Representative’s office has yet to comment on the outcome, the talks mark a critical step in easing trade barriers and fostering economic cooperation between the two countries. South Africa, as Africa’s largest economy, is keen to secure a deal that would bolster its export sector and stabilize trade relations with one of its key global partners.