Tau meets with US trade officials in efforts to strike a sweet trade deal

Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau has again met with US trade officials amid continued efforts to strike a sweet trade deal with Washington.

Tau met with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and members of Congress this week following intensive three-day discussions by senior officials.

South Africa has been trying to secure lower tariffs on exports to the US after President Donald Trump imposed higher duties in August.

A revised trade offer was tabled to the US in mid-August with some concessions by South Africa to address Washington's calls to balance trade.

READ: SA reiterates it won't make concessions on domestic policies in exchange for trade deal with US

At the time, Pretoria said it wouldn’t compromise on its domestic and foreign policy to appease Washington, adding the country would only negotiate on economic matters.

The offer made was an extension of the one submitted in May.

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 regulations on poultry, pork and blueberry imports from the US.

"Both parties agreed to a roadmap that will inform future engagements towards the conclusion of the process," said Trade and Industry spokesperson, Kaamil Alli.

Tau is expected to brief President Cyril Ramaphosa on the talks soon.