Maseru, Apr. 04 — President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday expressed concern over the United States (USA) decision to impose a new 30 percent import tariff on South African goods.
The office of the presidency said in a statement that the move was ‘a concern’, adding that it gives impetus to South Africa’s plans to negotiate new trade terms with the world’s biggest economy.
Whilst South Africa remains committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity.
“The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S, as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty,” the presidency said. AT/TL
