SA reiterates it won't make concessions on domestic policies in exchange for trade deal with US
Pretoria’s unwavering stance comes after tabling a revised offer in talks with Washington to soften the punitive tariffs imposed last week.
Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau during a media briefing on government's response to the US reciprocal tariffs on 12 August 2025. Picture: @the_dtic/X
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa has reiterated that it won’t make concessions on its domestic policy in exchange for a trade deal with the United States (US).
Pretoria’s unwavering stance comes after tabling a revised offer in talks with Washington to soften the punitive tariffs imposed last week.
In a shake-up to address trade deficits, the US imposed 30% tariffs on imports from South Africa - the highest duty charged on goods from any sub-Saharan nation.
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Only parts of the deal being negotiated have been made public, with a $3.3 billion investment tag into US industries such as mining and metals recycling, as well as reviewing regulation on poultry, pork and blueberry imports from the US.
In addition to demands to narrow the trade deficit, the US has tried to use its negotiating power to push South Africa to review some of its policies, including foreign policy, BEE exemptions and land expropriation laws.
While a non-disclosure agreement is in place between SA and the US on sensitive matters, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau said the country’s domestic policies were not up for sale.
"It’s not a very sustainable thing to do. We need to preserve our sovereignty as a country."
With the concession from other countries also in talks with US trade officials, its unclear when Washington will respond to the new offer.