In a strategic prelude to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s high-level meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Lee Greer to set the tone for strengthened economic collaboration.
The working visit focused on aligning trade and investment priorities between South Africa and the United States, as both countries seek to deepen bilateral economic ties and boost cooperation across key growth sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
“This dialogue is vital to shaping a mutually beneficial economic relationship that supports sustainable development and job creation,” Minister Tau remarked following the meeting.
The engagement signals a shared commitment to revitalizing trade relations and ensuring that both nations are strategically positioned in an evolving global market. Talks also touched on reducing trade barriers, enhancing market access, and encouraging cross-border investment.
With President Ramaphosa set to meet President Trump at the White House on Wednesday, the groundwork laid by Tau, Steenhuisen, and Greer is expected to form the backbone of broader discussions on international trade policy and geopolitical cooperation.
As global economic dynamics shift, South Africa’s proactive diplomacy in Washington marks a key step in redefining its trade future—and its place on the world stage.
