South Africa seeks levy relief, eyes market diversification

South Africa is negotiating with the United States to scrap or reduce a 30 percent tariff imposed by Washington last week, while making progress in trade diversification, senior officials say.

Parks Tau, South Africa's minister of trade, industry and competition, said in a media briefing on Tuesday that they have been engaging with US counterparts since Friday after the tariffs took effect, to remove them or get a mutually beneficial trade deal.

They are negotiating with the US while seeking markets in other parts of the world, Tau said. "The Cabinet has approved that South Africa submit a revised offer as a basis for negotiations with the US."