Washington dc: Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has engaged in talks with United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, in Washington DC. This initiative is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to bolster economic ties with South Africa’s key trade partner.

According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting followed three days of technical discussions between senior officials from both nations, centering on priority issues within the bilateral trade relationship. Tau and Greer have agreed on a roadmap to guide future engagements toward the conclusion of ongoing processes.

“I will be briefing President Cyril Ramaphosa on the outcomes of the discussions and will then engage various stakeholders,” Tau mentioned post-meeting. The Minister is set to remain in the US this week to assist President Ramaphosa in trade-related engagements with American stakeholders, including members of Congress. President Ramaphosa is scheduled to lead the South African delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 23 – 29 September.

The United States holds the position of South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade reaching US$15.1 billion in 2024. Last year, South Africa exported goods worth US$8.2 billion to the US, while imports from the US were valued at US$6.9 billion. Additionally, more than 600 US companies operate in South Africa, whereas over 22 South African firms have established their presence in the US.