Mbali Dhlamini7 August 2025 | 9:40

Ramaphosa, Trump agree to continue further engagements on bilateral trade matters

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, on Wednesday night, the Presidency said.

Ramaphosa, Trump agree to continue further engagements on bilateral trade matters

FILE: President Ramaphosa in discussions with US Presisent Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C, in the United States of America on 21 May 2025. Picture: Elmond Jiyane/GCIS

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a telephone discussion with his US counterpart, Donald Trump.

The Presidency said the discussion, held on Wednesday, focused on trade relations between the two countries.

It comes as Trump’s controversial tariffs take effect, making it more expensive for countries to export goods to the United States.

South Africa has been hit with a 30% duty and the government is still trying to negotiate a better trade deal.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the respective trade negotiating teams would take forward more detailed discussions.

"President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion during the morning of 6 August 2025, with US President Donald Trump on bilateral trade matters. The two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements, recognising the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in," said Magwenya.

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