SA pushes for stronger US trade ties in Washington visit

The meeting at the White House marks a pivotal moment in efforts to secure a mutually beneficial trade deal and reaffirm South Africa’s strategic position on the global stage.

Ahead of the talks, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the visit is about doing the hard work of preserving trade, protecting jobs, and ensuring that the country’s agricultural economy not only survives but thrives.

Steenhuisen, who met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on Tuesday, described the meeting as “cordial and constructive. “ They discussed retaining South Africa’s market access for key exports such as citrus, wine, nuts, and table grapes.

“We reiterated the importance of both markets for each other. The Americans want to rebalance trade, while we’re focused on retaining market access without punitive tariffs,” he said.

Steenhuisen stressed the need for continued dialogue on phytosanitary and animal health issues to keep agricultural trade flowing smoothly.

While questions were raised about land expropriation and the recent US decision to grant refugee status to 49 white Afrikaners, Steenhuisen said these topics did not arise during trade discussions.

“The focus was on trade. But we must acknowledge rural safety remains a problem, and we need international partnerships, including technology, to improve it,” he added.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said he is “hopeful and ready” for fruitful discussions with Trump, highlighting trade as the visit’s top priority.

“The trade relations are the most important. We want to come out of the United States with a really good trade deal and investment promotion,” he said.

 “We invest in the United States, and they invest in us. We want to strengthen those relations.”

He also emphasised that South Africa will act in its own national interest regarding issues like tech partnerships, including questions around Elon Musk’s Starlink.

“We are a sovereign country. We will always do what is best for South Africans,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola underlined the strategic value of the visit, noting that the U.S. is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner and South Africa is the U.S.’s top trading partner.

“This is not a ceremonial trip. It’s a reset of bilateral relations,” Lamola said.

“We want to re-establish preferential treatment under AGOA, address the nullifying impact of U.S. tariffs, and expand cooperation in industrialisation, value addition, and strategic minerals.”

Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to constitutional transformation and inclusive growth, saying, “There is no persecution of any group. The transformation agenda is about participation, not exclusion.”

The visit also comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and scrutiny over South Africa’s positions on global conflicts such as Israel-Palestine and Ukraine.

Ramaphosa said these topics may arise during the meeting, but insisted South Africa will maintain its rational, independent foreign policy stance.

“We’re going to put South Africa’s interests first and clarify our positions. So fear not—we are going to have a really good meeting,” he said.

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