South Africa Denies Anti-American Stance Amid Trump BRICS Tariff Threat

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and trade officials have firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's characterization of the BRICS bloc as pursuing 'anti-American policies.' Despite Trump's threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on countries aligned with BRICS, South Africa reiterated its commitment to constructive economic dialogue and a potential bilateral trade agreement with the United States. The South African government emphasized that it is not anti-American and continues to await formal communication from the U.S. regarding trade negotiations, which have been ongoing since Ramaphosa’s visit to the White House in May. Ramaphosa clarified that BRICS aims for collaboration and mutual development rather than confrontation with other global powers, seeking to defuse tensions. Meanwhile, the BRICS group criticized rising tariffs and trade wars, positioning itself as a platform for multilateral diplomacy amid global conflicts. Trump's administration is pursuing multiple trade deals ahead of a July deadline for retaliatory tariffs, heightening tensions with BRICS nations including South Africa.