Slapped with a steep tariff, South African officials hope for a deal, but some worry the U.S. may insist that it roll back measures that redress the damage of apartheid.

South African companies are bracing for significant losses as 30% tariffs imposed by the US threaten their exports. Economists warn that the impact could lead to job losses and the collapse of small businesses reliant on the American market.

South Africa's commodity-backed currency edged up on Monday, helped by higher gold prices, as investors digested last week's unexpectedly weak U.S. jobs data and awaited tariff updates ahead of the United States' August 8 deadline.