By Rachel Mohamed
In a joint statement released this week, the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Trade, Industry, and Competition reiterated their commitment to ongoing discussions regarding trade and investment relations with the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to introduce new tariffs on exports from more than 90 countries, including South Africa. Trump announced this on his Truth Social platform, claiming that billions of dollars are now flowing into the United States. Additionally, a 50% tariff on India will take effect on August 27 unless the country ceases its purchases of Russian oil.
In an interview with VOC News, Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), expressed concerns about the changing geopolitical landscape.
“The evidence is clear: the global order is no longer stable. Geopolitical divides are widening, and the rules-based system is fragile.”
“As mentioned in the press conference, Ministers Ronald Lamola and Parks Tau outlined strategies to navigate this turbulence. South Africa will adopt an approach that is both principled and pragmatic,” said Phiri.
“We need to ensure long-term certainty, prosperity, and security, while also diversifying our trade relations.”
Listen to the full interview:
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
