South Africa is reportedly pressing the United States for an extension of the July 9 deadline to conclude trade negotiations before elevated tariffs on key exports take effect, citing the emergence of a new U.S. trade framework under development for African partners.
The request follows high-level engagements between South African officials and U.S. trade representatives during the United States–Africa Summit held in Luanda, Angola.
On June 24, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, met with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Connie Hamilton to discuss the evolving bilateral trade environment.
The meeting came in the wake of South Africa’s submission of a proposed Framework Deal to Washington on May 20, followed by direct talks between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump on May 21.
The Framework Deal outlines proposed mechanisms to strengthen reciprocal trade and investment ties while addressing U.S. concerns about non-tariff barriers, trade imbalances, and limited access to South African markets.
Key elements include tariff rate quotas or exemptions from Section 232 duties on automotive products, steel, and aluminum. Pretoria has also requested that tariffs not exceed 10% in the event exemptions are denied, and has advocated for carve-outs covering small and medium enterprises, counter-seasonal goods, and products the U.S. does not manufacture domestically.
According to both the South African government and Reuters reporting, U.S. officials disclosed that a new standardized “trade-matters template” is being finalized within the Trump administration.
This blueprint is intended to serve as the basis for all future trade negotiations with sub-Saharan African nations. The template, once approved, will be shared with relevant governments. South Africa welcomed this development and indicated readiness to align its proposals accordingly.
“In this regard, we are of the view that South Africa may need to re-submit its Framework Deal in accordance with the new template. It is thus expected that the deadline may be shifted,” said Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau in a statement.
Tau also urged domestic industry stakeholders to “exercise strategic patience” while the government continues diplomatic efforts to safeguard South African market access.
The July 9 deadline marks the expiration of a 90-day pause on the implementation of 31% tariffs first announced by the Trump administration in April under its broader “reciprocal tariff” policy. The pause was intended to provide space for bilateral negotiations. Pretoria’s current efforts, supported by other African states, seek to extend this window to allow for harmonization with the forthcoming U.S. template.
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