The South African rand was on the backfoot in early trade on Friday, as investors weighed the prospect of higher tariffs on exports to the United States after the country failed to clinch a trade agreement before Washington's deadline.

South African products exported to the US will face a 30% tariff from 7 August, President Donald Trump has announced. South Africa is the only country from sub-Saharan Africa singled out in the announcement,

As South Africa braces for potential economic impact from US tariff modifications, President Ramaphosa's commitment to open dialogue and strategic planning embodies the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of international trade.