Trade Talks Escalate: Ramaphosa and Trump in Key Negotiations

In an effort to bolster economic ties, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump held a substantive telephone conversation addressing crucial aspects of bilateral trade.

The conversation comes amidst stalled negotiations from South Africa's side as they sought—but did not achieve—a trade agreement with Washington before Trump's imposed deadline, resulting in a 30% duty on U.S. imports from South Africa.

Recognizing the complexity of ongoing U.S. trade negotiations globally, both leaders agreed on the continuity of their dialogue, tasking their respective trade teams with advancing more detailed discussions.

(With inputs from agencies.)