Ramaphosa Says South Africa’s US Trade Deal Could Be Finalised “Soon”

President Cyril Ramaphosa is staying upbeat about South Africa’s chances of sealing a long-awaited trade deal with the United States, saying he hopes an agreement is “fairly soon” after seven months of negotiations.

Optimism Amid Delays

Speaking during a state visit to Switzerland on Wednesday, Ramaphosa told reporters in Bern that talks with Washington were progressing though he avoided pinning down a timeline.

“We are looking forward to concluding an agreement fairly soon, and soon could be tomorrow, next week, next month,” he said. “Timeframes, when you deal with governments, always shift.”

His comments come as South Africa continues efforts to ease hefty tariffs imposed by  US President Donald Trump on key exports, including automobiles and citrus fruit two sectors that support thousands of local jobs.

The tariffs, which came into effect in August after an earlier delay, have placed pressure on Africa’s most industrialised economy as it seeks to stabilise trade and protect employment.

A Seven-Month Stalemate

It’s been seven months since the start of formal talks between the two nations, with little to show in the way of a concrete deal. Ramaphosa confirmed that discussions had now moved to the “text” stage a sign of technical progress toward finalising the agreement.

Still, the lack of resolution has raised concern among South African business leaders, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. With the global economy already under strain, losing access to the American market would be a heavy blow.

Shared Frustration In Switzerland

Ramaphosa’s optimism was shared albeit cautiously by his Swiss counterpart, President Karin Keller-Sutter. Switzerland has also been hit by a 39% tariff on exports to the US, and negotiations there have similarly stalled.

“We are hoping for rapid progress,” Keller-Sutter said, noting that both nations were still in talks to modernise an existing free-trade agreement between the Southern African Customs Union and the European Free Trade Association.

When asked for advice on dealing with the unpredictable former US president, Ramaphosa quipped, “We share notes. We share best practice.”

Economic Stakes And Global Context

According to the Swiss government, bilateral trade between South Africa and Switzerland is valued at about 6.25 billion Swiss francs (roughly R160 billion). South Africa exports gold, platinum, fruit, wine, and nuts to the Alpine nation, while importing pharmaceuticals, machinery, and luxury watches.

Ramaphosa’s Swiss stopover follows a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, where he attended a regional summit aimed at strengthening South Africa’s global partnerships.

Back home, social media reaction to his comments has been mixed. Some South Africans praised his optimism and diplomacy, while others expressed frustration at the pace of negotiations, with one user on X posting, “Seven months of talk and still no deal. How ‘soon’ is soon, really?”

A Balancing Act

The stakes are high for Ramaphosa’s administration, which is balancing international diplomacy with the need to safeguard domestic industries. If South Africa can secure a fair trade agreement, it could boost investor confidence and strengthen economic ties beyond the continent.

But as the president himself admitted, government timelines tend to shift. And for now, South Africa waits hopefully not for too much longer.

{Source:Business Tech}

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