US delegation in SA later this week as talks continue on tariffs

By Simon Nare

The South African government remains uncertain on whether it will win the battle to get United States President Donald Trump’s administration to decrease the 30% tariffs on South African goods.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola told reporters on Wednesday that despite engagements between the two countries being escalated to the highest level, the prospects of a positive outcome were still unclear.

Lamola stressed that the government had signed off on the tariffs with the hope that negotiations would result in them being reduced.

“Again, it is also uncertain whether we will succeed or not, but we are putting our best efforts to succeed with regards with the 30%% tariff and this is not just a South African challenge. It’s a challenge across the globe.

“But we have to continue to engage to put efforts and also to continue with the diversification of our markets to