The Solidarity Movement on Monday took to task the African National Congress (ANC) for failing to promote relations with the US and implement significant reforms to prevent high tariffs.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that reciprocal tariffs of 30% would be implemented on South African goods from August 7.

Solidarity Movement chairperson Flip Buys claimed that the country would “pay the price” for inaction by the ANC.

“We will continue to engage with our networks in America in an effort to convince them not to punish the country if the ANC misbehaves,” he said.

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter to the nation that all channels of communication remained open to engage with the US.

“Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries.

“We will continue to engage the US in an attempt to preserve market access for our products,” Ramaphosa writes, while highlighting that South Africa’s trade relations had historically been complementary in nature.

“South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry,” he said arguing that US consumers received choice and cost benefits.

Government has also submitted a framework deal to the US that aims to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations.

Meanwhile, trade union Solidarity said in light of the failed trade deal, it would send its own framework for a trade agreement between South Africa and the US to Ramaphosa and Trump.

Solidarity chief executive Dr Dirk Hermann noted that the White House had indicated that the tariffs may be reconsidered if a trade agreement between the two countries could be reached, highlighting that its proposed framework would demonstrate that such an agreement was indeed feasible.