South Africa’s president said the country must prepare for a future where it loses preferential trade access to the US because of the growing rift between the nations. Relations have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump cut aid to Africa, expelled Pretoria’s ambassador, and falsely accused South Africa of carrying out a genocide against its white population.
Though South Africa’s president has tried to mend ties, he nevertheless warned the continent’s largest economy could be removed from the US’ duty-free trade program when the deal is renegotiated in 2028. In response, Pretoria is looking to boost trade with China and India, though a flood of cheap imports from the former has angered domestic producers.
