President Donald Trump on Tuesday suggested he might not attend the G20 summit in South Africa due to the country’s “very bad policies.” “I think maybe I’ll send somebody else because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa.

South Africa faces the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting Trump's strained relationship with the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been hit with a 15% tariff, which will also come into effect in seven days.

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 Africa’s government is preparing a package to support companies vulnerable to US reciprocal tariffs as it continues talks with Washington on a new trade deal.