Trade negotiations dominated discussions at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, amid rising tensions over US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said talks with the United States are expected to continue despite disagreements that surfaced during the summit over the weekend.
As host nation, South Africa succeeded in securing the adoption of the G20 leaders’ declaration, even as the US boycotted the event in protest—underscoring ongoing friction between the two countries.
“We’ve compartmentalized these issues and said the G20 is a separate process… we anticipate that the trade discussions will continue,” Tau told reporters.
Efforts to finalize a trade agreement have been complicated by political disputes, including President Trump’s unfounded accusations of persecution against South Africa’s white minority, which have added strain to an already fragile economic relationship.
Tensions escalated in August when Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imports from South Africa, a move that threatens tens of thousands of jobs as Africa’s most industrialized economy struggles with weak growth. The tariff has increased pressure on both sides to stabilize trade ties and protect employment.
Separately, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said China is ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Italy and build a more stable and productive comprehensive strategic partnership. He made the remarks after meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
Despite backing a 2024 European Commission decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Italy has sought to maintain positive relations with Beijing, frequently emphasizing the importance of Chinese investment and cooperation in Europe.
Meloni’s office said the two leaders agreed on the need to maintain constructive dialogue across areas of shared interest, with a focus on balanced trade and investment growth, as well as expanded scientific and cultural cooperation.
