The African National Congress ANC National Executive Committee NEC member, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa cannot afford to lose its trade relationship with the United States US.
This as South Africa anxiously awaits the outcome of talks between its officials and their US counterparts.
This follow the US President, Donald Trumps imposition of 30 tariffs on South Africas exports . The tariffs will take effect in less than a week should there be no deal.
Ramokgopa is attending the ANC NEC meeting in Johannesburg.
"We have made the point that we must invest in protecting that relationship with our second biggest trading partner. Because if we were to lose it, the economy will lose jobs, especially in the automotive sector. Im talking about those whose products are destined for the US. But we know that the agricultural sector will also be significantly affected," says Ramokgopa.