An aerial drone photo shows a view of a farm in Eikenof, south of Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 7, 2025. A 30-percent tariff on South African products imposed by the United States took effect on Friday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Following a recent telephone call between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump, South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday expressed hope for an agreement between the two countries.

"We wouldn't be putting efforts into the negotiations if we were not hopeful that there is room for an agreement. We are working to ensure we strike a deal," Ntshavheni made the remarks at a post-Cabinet briefing in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, as the deadline for the 30 percent U.S. import tariffs looms.

Ntshavheni said the Cabinet had been briefed on the framework deal South Africa submitted to the United States in response to the import tariffs, adding that the phone call to Trump was part of efforts to strengthen the negotiation of the South African team, led by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition.

"Cabinet affirmed government's commitment to finding constructive and sustainable solutions through continued engagements with the United States, including at a presidential level," Ntshavheni said.

She echoed earlier remarks by fellow ministers on plans to diversify South Africa's export markets, emphasizing efforts to boost trade with Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while further expanding across the African continent. ■

Chickens are seen at a farm in Eikenof, south of Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 7, 2025. A 30-percent tariff on South African products imposed by the United States took effect on Friday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)

Chickens are seen at a farm in Eikenof, south of Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 7, 2025. A 30-percent tariff on South African products imposed by the United States took effect on Friday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)

A worker holds a chicken at a farm in Eikenof, south of Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 7, 2025. A 30-percent tariff on South African products imposed by the United States took effect on Friday. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua)