The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa cannot afford to lose its trade relationship with the United States (US).

This as South Africa anxiously awaits the outcome of talks between its officials and their US counterparts.

This follow the US President, Donald Trump’s imposition of 30% tariffs on South Africa’s exports. The tariffs will take effect in less than a week should there be no deal.

[WATCH] Political economist Dr. Lebohang Pheko says the Trump administration’s 30% export tariff will force SA to trade with other partners. Approximately 7% of South Africa’s total exports go to the United States. pic.twitter.com/Sp3tSDz48n

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Ramokgopa is attending the ANC NEC meeting in Johannesburg.

“We have made the point that we must invest in protecting that relationship with our second biggest trading partner. Because if we were to lose it, the economy will lose jobs, especially in the automotive sector. I’m talking about those whose products are destined for the US. But we know that the agricultural sector will also be significantly affected,” says Ramokgopa.

“The team has presented a framework with an offer that under-pins how we think we can re-set our relationship with the United States of America and of course we are yet to receive feed-back,” he adds.

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