South Africa has called on the United States to extend a looming 90-day deadline to finalise a bilateral trade agreement.
The appeal, supported by several African nations, aims to allow more time to align the deal with evolving regional negotiation frameworks.
According to the Trade Ministry, the request was made during a meeting between Deputy Trade Minister Zuko Godlimpi and US Trade Representative for Africa Connie Hamilton.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the US-Africa Business Summit last week in Luanda, Angola.
South Africa submitted a draft framework on May 20 to enhance trade and investment ties with Washington.
The proposal was followed by a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump on May 21 in Washington.
The draft deal tackles critical issues including non-tariff barriers, trade imbalances, and market access, aiming to deepen bilateral investment flows.
Trade Minister Parks Tau urged domestic industries to remain calm, emphasising that rushed decisions could jeopardise long-term economic interests.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to exploring every diplomatic path to protect South Africa’s standing in the US market.
Officials hope that extended dialogue will offer a more stable foundation for long-term cooperation between the two nations.