Ramaphosa Seeks US Trade Reset With Musk Business Proposals Amid Tensions With Trump

President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the United States on Monday evening ahead of a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump scheduled for Wednesday. The visit aims to mend frayed diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries, following recent tensions over aid cuts and US asylum granted to white South Africans—citing racial discrimination, a claim South Africa has firmly denied.

South African officials are preparing a comprehensive trade proposal for Trump, with the goal of resetting the relationship. A key part of the plan involves engaging Elon Musk’s business interests to boost cooperation and investment.

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Ramaphosa Eyes Tesla Tariff Deal and Starlink Licence Talks

One of the proposals being considered would grant Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company, favourable import tariffs in South Africa in exchange for building electric vehicle charging stations across the country.

“(It) could be one of the points discussed,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya via text when asked about Tesla’s involvement.

Another potential topic is the licensing of Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink. “Certainly, the issue will be discussed,” Magwenya confirmed. The US has previously urged countries to approve Starlink in exchange for tariff relief, according to State Department communications.

Musk, who was born in South Africa, previously claimed Starlink was blocked from entering the local market because he is not Black—referencing South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. SA regulators refuted the claim, stating in March that Starlink had not applied for a licence.

SA Farmers Brace for Impact as AGOA Benefits Hang in the Balance

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, also part of the delegation in Washington, underscored the risks facing the agricultural sector if trade ties deteriorate. South African farm exports currently benefit from duty-free access to US markets under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), but Trump’s tariff policies threaten that status.

“Losing these benefits would be disastrous for farmers, farm workers and the economy at large,” Steenhuisen said.

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