Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa is optimistic about South Africa’s trade relations with the US following a visit to the White House.
Magwenya was speaking at a briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday.
He said while many focused on what was shown on television during the meeting with US President Donald Trump, the most important discussions took place behind closed doors.
SA in stronger position
He emphasised that Ramaphosa was satisfied with the outcome and believes the visit placed South Africa in a stronger position than before.
“The president feels that we are in a much better position post that visit than we were prior to the visit. And certainly it has opened the door for more engagements between our respective trade teams,” said Magwenya.
“What has happened so far is that the DTIC team, as led by the minister and ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, has presented a proposal before the USTR (United States Trade Representative). And they are awaiting a detailed response to that package proposal.
“Meetings are planned for later on in the month, where there will be more formal and substantive engagements on what I would call the new trade relationship with the US,” he added.
The government is now awaiting a detailed response from the US, and further meetings are planned for later this month.
New trade relationship
These discussions are expected to focus on what Magwenya described as a new trade relationship with the US.
He said the talks will include key matters such as tariffs and the potential to expand the range of goods traded between the two nations.
He said the 90-day deadline is still noted, and this made the next phase of the meetings important.
Magwenya also addressed the future of South Africa’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade scheme that provides access to US markets.
He said that while Ramaphosa is keen to see South Africa remain part of AGOA, the government is prepared to explore a new trade framework if necessary.
Former Zambian president
Formal engagements between the two countries are expected to take place by mid to late June.
Magwenya, on behalf of Ramaphosa, also passed condolences to the family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu.
Lungu reportedly passed on at a South African hospital on Thursday, June 5.
