Parks Tau Says Government Submitted New Trade Deal to the US, Mzansi Ask if Concerns Were Addressed

• Parks Tau confirmed that South Africa had submitted a new trade offer to the United States of America
• The Minister of Trade and Industry did not divulge what was in the offer, but said it was in line with US concerns
• South Africans shared their thoughts on the new trade deal and wondered whether the US would agree

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – South Africa has submitted a new trade offer to the United States of America.

That was confirmed by Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, who said that the new offer responds to issues raised by the USA.

In announcing his decision to impose 30% tariffs on the country, US President Donald Trump said that trade between the two nations was “unfortunately, far from reciprocal”. The 30% is the highest duty charged on goods from any sub-Saharan nation.

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What is contained in the new trade offer?

Addressing the media during a press briefing on 12 August 2025, Tau said the new offer substantively responded to the issues raised by the US in the national trade estimates report.

He added that the new offer’s resolution was made at a cabinet meeting and built on the previous offer made in May 2025. While he admitted that the new offer addressed the USA’s concerns, he did not divulge what was in it.

"The trick is not to get the US to read about the offer in the media, so please excuse me, until such a time that at least they’ve received and processed the offer that we’ve made, but because the work has been done. That’s why I took you through it,” he told the gathered press.

All eyes are now on the USA to see whether it’s happy with the new proposal.

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What you need to know about Trump’s tariffs and trade

• Trump announced a new set of tariffs for some countries, including South Africa.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa challenged some of Trump's statements regarding the new tariff.
• John Steenhuisen said he was concerned about the impact of the tariffs on Agriculture.
• Ramaphosa said he was hopeful of striking a deal before the tariffs took effect on 1 August.
• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, weighed in on Trump’s tariffs.

How did South Africans react to Tau’s update?

Social media users had more questions than answers, wondering what the new deal entailed and if the government addressed the US's other concerns about South Africa’s policies.

Magda Crous asked:

“So, it's a secret now? Why not tell the people of SA what it is?

Elphas Mnguni pondered:

“I wonder what has been revised and for whose benefit? Because we know the citizens will not benefit.”

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Gerrie Claassen stated:

“Tau can't be trusted. He lied about the US tariffs before, so you can't believe a word he says.”

Sheila Janse van Rensburg said:

“You can offer what you like, but if the US demands are not met, they will not accept.”

Jacques Otto asked:

“Have you addressed BEE and land rights? Eish, it was clear what the USA requires, and you offer chickens and blueberries.”

Zubair Shade added:

“Finding other trading partners sounds like a better plan.”

Ramaphosa discusses new deal with Trump

Briefly News reported on 6 August that the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa called Trump.

The details of the call were not revealed, but it was to discuss trade matters between the two countries.

South Africans shared their thoughts on the call, with some asking if Ramaphosa sent Trump a Please Call Me.

Source: Briefly News