South Africa has been actively working to strengthen its trade and investment relationship with the United States, as evidenced by recent high-level engagements and a revised framework proposal. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, highlighted the key areas of focus, including trade, investment, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) procurement, and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The revised proposal addresses feedback received from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and incorporates input from South African stakeholders like the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The proposal aims to increase trade between the two countries, with South Africa expressing interest in procuring LNG from the U.S. given impending gas shortages. The framework also emphasizes the importance of AGOA, which is currently under consideration for reauthorization by the U.S. Congress. African trade ministers are developing a collective approach to engage the U.S. on the future of AGOA, with a detailed South African proposition expected at the upcoming U.S.-Africa Forum.

In addition to AGOA, the proposal covers strategic areas such as the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), digital trade, and critical minerals. South Africa is a key supplier of 12 of the USA’s listed critical minerals, with nine of those sourced primarily from South Africa. Minister Tau pointed to a recent transaction involving ASP Isotopes and a South African company for helium beneficiation, indicating growing U.S. investor interest in this sector. The South African delegation also expressed appreciation for the USTR's participation in the recent G20 Trade and Investment Working Group hosted in the Western Cape.

Minister Tau highlighted the success of South Africa’s Equity Equivalence Programme (EEP), which allows multinationals to meet local empowerment requirements through strategic investments. Companies like Ford and Citibank have participated in the EEP, investing in areas like automotive supply chains and special economic zones. Efforts are also underway to attract Tesla to invest in South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector, with ongoing discussions with CEO Elon Musk.

Earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the White House was marked by tensions, including accusations from then-President Donald Trump regarding the treatment of white farmers in South Africa. Despite these contentious debates, Ramaphosa managed to de-escalate the situation and engage with Trump on regional conflicts, trade relations, and the G20 summit. Ramaphosa sought assurances from Trump regarding his attendance at the G20 leaders’ summit and emphasized the importance of U.S. participation for the summit's success. Trump raised concerns about white South Africans, but the leaders did not dwell on the issue during their closed-door meeting.

Ramaphosa described his meeting with Trump as “robust and fruitful,” signaling a new chapter of engagement between South Africa and the United States, particularly in trade and investment. The two leaders had an in-depth and positive exchange on economic cooperation and mutual concerns. A major outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to sustained engagement between the two nations, especially at the trade and industry level. Ramaphosa stressed that discussions will continue on key matters, including investment flows, tariff structures, and access to the U.S. market through frameworks such as AGOA.

Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of increased foreign direct investment from the United States, noting that U.S. companies already play a vital role in the South African economy. He cited a recent American investment in a local lithium company as an encouraging sign of continued interest. During the engagement at the Oval Office, Zingiswa Losi, President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, told President Trump that South Africa has a violence and crime issue rather than a race issue. Losi highlighted the need for technology to address the level of crime in the country.

Reflecting on the overall visit, President Ramaphosa described the meeting as a “great success,” saying it had fulfilled South Africa’s key objectives. The South African delegation to Washington D.C. consisted of several Cabinet Ministers, notable business figures, and prominent South Africans.