South Africa optimistic of deal with U.S. as tariff deadline nears
"We wouldn't be putting efforts into the negotiations if we were not hopeful that there is room for an agreement. We are working to ensure we strike a deal," Ntshavheni made the remarks at a post-Cabinet briefing in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, as the deadline for the 30 percent U.S. import tariffs looms.
Ntshavheni said the Cabinet had been briefed on the framework deal South Africa submitted to the United States in response to the import tariffs, adding that the phone call to Trump was part of efforts to strengthen the negotiation of the South African team, led by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition.
"Cabinet affirmed government's commitment to finding constructive and sustainable solutions through continued engagements with the United States, including at a presidential level," Ntshavheni said.
She echoed earlier remarks by fellow ministers on plans to diversify South Africa's export markets, emphasizing efforts to boost trade with Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while further expanding across the African continent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
2 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Tengku Zafrul refutes Tun M, says US trade deal was to 'save Malaysian jobs,' not about 'being happy'
KUALA LUMPUR – Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has dismissed former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's criticism of Malaysia's trade agreement with the United States (US). He called the claims inaccurate, misleading and damaging to public understanding. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad He stressed that the decision was not about being 'happy' with the deal, but about protecting the nation's economy and saving Malaysian jobs. 'This issue is not about being 'happy' but about the responsibility to save the livelihoods and incomes of Malaysians. 'Negotiations were held to avoid the US' 25 per cent tariff that threatened more than RM198 billion worth of exports and 100,000 jobs, particularly in the electrical and electronics sector," he said in a Facebook post on Thursday. He said Malaysia succeeded in securing a 19 per cent rate, the same as other Asean countries, thereby prioritising national interests and economic stability. Addressing Dr Mahathir's claim that Malaysia had removed all tariffs on 11,000 US products, Tengku Zafrul clarified that the actual figure was far lower. 'The actual fact is that only 60.4 per cent of tariff lines are now subject to zero duty, not 100 per cent as claimed. 'The difference between 60 per cent and 100 per cent is significant," he said. He added that this measure was not about 'giving away' tax revenue but about defending export value, protecting jobs and preventing negative economic spillover effects. Tengku Zafrul also refuted suggestions that Malaysia had agreed to supply rare earth elements exclusively to the US or any other country. 'This is another untrue allegation. There is no agreement, whether verbal or written, to supply rare earth elements exclusively to the US or any other country. 'Why would Malaysia be so foolish as to accept only 5 per cent of the actual value when we could obtain many times more," he said. He added that since Jan 1, 2024, Malaysia has, in fact, imposed a ban on the export of unprocessed rare earth elements in line with a Cabinet decision. This policy, he said, is strictly monitored and reviewed every six months. The minister said the ban is part of a strategy to ensure all rare earth elements are processed locally, boosting economic value and generating high-skilled jobs. Malaysia is building a complete value chain for the rare earth industry, from upstream mining to midstream processing and downstream high-tech manufacturing. The industry is expected to contribute up to RM9.5 billion to GDP by 2025 and create thousands of skilled jobs. 'It is not wrong to criticise, but when criticism is made based on untrue allegations, it is wrong and can mislead the public,' he said. He also urged all parties to rely on verified information from official statements before making accusations regarding national trade policies.
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
PM Anwar: Asean-brokered ceasefire between Thailand, Cambodia a remarkable feat
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers a speech at the 58th ASEAN Day celebration 2025 today. – Bernama photo CYBERJAYA (Aug 8): The swift and effective ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is an unprecedented achievement for Asean, demonstrating the strength, commitment and resolve of its leaders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the breakthrough was made possible through multi-layered cooperation involving the prime ministers and foreign ministers of both nations, their armed forces, and the trust built among Asean leaders. 'I must thank both leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, the Cabinet, and the Chief of Defence Forces here, who has played a pivotal role. The relationship and trust between our armed forces and Asean leaders are remarkable,' he said, representing Malaysia as Asean Chair. Anwar said this in his address at the 58th Asean Day celebration here today, held in conjunction with the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), themed Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future. Anwar said that the high level of trust and confidence enabled all parties to secure an understanding quickly, noting that in the history of ceasefires worldwide over the past decades, if not centuries, this might be the first to work so fast and effectively. Anwar said the United States and China had committed to supporting logistics in the ceasefire area but left it entirely to the bilateral understanding between Thailand and Cambodia, moderated by Malaysia. 'All Asean leaders have pledged to provide whatever support is necessary to secure lasting peace between the two countries,' he said. He added that the achievement was possible because Malaysia, as Asean Chair, had received the mandate and backing of all Asean leaders, giving added weight to its mediation efforts. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement a ceasefire effective midnight on July 28 at a special meeting in Malaysia chaired by Anwar. The meeting was held following heightened tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. 'If this is a good beginning, it augurs well for the future of Asean in terms of attaining geopolitical strategy,' Anwar said, adding that Myanmar would be the bloc's next major challenge. According to him, progress has been made towards securing a ceasefire in Myanmar, with the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia expected to visit the country soon to press for an end to violence, cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue among stakeholders. Turning to the economic agenda, Anwar said one of the key issues for deliberation at the October Asean Summit would be boosting intra-Asean trade, cross-border investments, regional energy grid connectivity and other collaborative economic initiatives. Meanwhile, Anwar described the celebration of Asean's 58th anniversary as a source of pride and shared appreciation, not only to commemorate the achievements since its founding, but also as a moment to give thanks for the progress made. He said Asean's success today is inseparable from the ideas, vision and struggles of the founding leaders of its member states. However, he cautioned that challenges to the region persist, and Asean will only remain relevant if it faces them with a strong commitment. Asean was established on Aug 8, 1967 in Bangkok, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by its five founding members, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. – Bernama Anwar Ibrahim asean ceasefire
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
ASEAN-brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia a remarkable feat
CYBERJAYA: The swift and effective ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is an unprecedented achievement for ASEAN, demonstrating the strength, commitment and resolve of its leaders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the breakthrough was made possible through multi-layered cooperation involving the prime ministers and foreign ministers of both nations, their armed forces, and the trust built among ASEAN leaders. 'I must thank both leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, the Cabinet, and the Chief of Defence Forces here, who has played a pivotal role. The relationship and trust between our armed forces and ASEAN leaders are remarkable,' he said, representing Malaysia as ASEAN Chair. Anwar said this in his address at the 58th ASEAN Day celebration here today, held in conjunction with the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), themed Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future. Anwar said that the high level of trust and confidence enabled all parties to secure an understanding quickly, noting that in the history of ceasefires worldwide over the past decades, if not centuries, this might be the first to work so fast and effectively. Anwar said the United States and China had committed to supporting logistics in the ceasefire area but left it entirely to the bilateral understanding between Thailand and Cambodia, moderated by Malaysia. 'All ASEAN leaders have pledged to provide whatever support is necessary to secure lasting peace between the two countries,' he said. He added that the achievement was possible because Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, had received the mandate and backing of all ASEAN leaders, giving added weight to its mediation efforts. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement a ceasefire effective midnight on July 28 at a special meeting in Malaysia chaired by Anwar. The meeting was held following heightened tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. 'If this is a good beginning, it augurs well for the future of ASEAN in terms of attaining geopolitical strategy,' Anwar said, adding that Myanmar would be the bloc's next major challenge. According to him, progress has been made towards securing a ceasefire in Myanmar, with the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia expected to visit the country soon to press for an end to violence, cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue among stakeholders. Turning to the economic agenda, Anwar said one of the key issues for deliberation at the October ASEAN Summit would be boosting intra-ASEAN trade, cross-border investments, regional energy grid connectivity and other collaborative economic initiatives. Meanwhile, Anwar described the celebration of ASEAN's 58th anniversary as a source of pride and shared appreciation, not only to commemorate the achievements since its founding, but also as a moment to give thanks for the progress made. He said ASEAN's success today is inseparable from the ideas, vision and struggles of the founding leaders of its member states. However, he cautioned that challenges to the region persist, and ASEAN will only remain relevant if it faces them with a strong commitment. ASEAN was established on Aug 8, 1967 in Bangkok, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by its five founding members, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.- Bernama
