More detailed discussions will take place between South African and US trade negotiating teams, following a telephone discussion between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Last week, South Africa failed to secure a trade deal with the US, which will see tariffs of 30% levied on a slew of South African goods and produce from Thursday.

In Wednesday’s call, Ramaphosa and Trump agreed to continue further engagements on bilateral trade matters, amid the trade negotiations the US is currently involved in.

The Presidency said on Thursday that both trade negotiating teams will continue discussions.

Trump, on Wednesday, posted on the Truth Social media platform ahead of the commencement of reciprocal tariffs.

“Billions of dollars, largely from countries that have taken advantage of the United States for many years, laughing all the way, will start flowing into the USA. The only thing that can stop America’s greatness would be a radical left court that wants to see our country fail!” he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition expressed concerns about the impact of the tariffs, particularly on automotive, steel and agricultural products, as affected South African exports will become less competitive in the US.

“These sectors form part of significant value chains that exist between the two countries. South Africa is a crucial supplier of raw materials to many United States supply chains. The country also possesses strategic mineral reserves such as chrome, manganese and gold, from which the United States can benefit. Therefore, the trading relationship with the US offers opportunities for mutual development and growth,” said committee chairperson Mzwandile Masina.

The committee supports efforts to negotiate a deal with the US, including the enhancement of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, as a way to address bilateral trade and investment concerns.

Masina appealed for parties to continue negotiations for a mutually beneficial resolution, warning stakeholders to refrain from making “reckless” public statements that may compromise the efforts of the South African negotiating team.

“All South Africans should partner with government and speak with one voice during this critical period of negotiations given the impact that this could have on the broader economy,” he said.

Trade union Solidarity revealed on Wednesday that it will soon make another trip to the US to engage in discussions amid high tariffs.

Meanwhile, following Trump’s tariff announcement last week, the Democratic Alliance called for comprehensive red tape reduction and deregulation across the entirety of the South African economy.

“This will allow South Africa to pursue bold and far-reaching reforms, including pivoting from blunt instruments such as ownership under the guise of broad-based black economic empowerment, towards genuine investment and social upliftment under equity equivalence programmes which would enable stronger foreign direct investment,” it said.