President Cyril Ramaphosa said the Democratic Party’s victory in United States midterm elections heralded a new era in global relations, potentially thawing strained diplomatic and trade ties between Pretoria and Washington following a series of sharp policy disputes and the recent threat of trade suspension.
The Democratic takeover of both chambers of the US Congress follows a turbulent period marked by direct clashes between the two nations. Plans to scrap the trade preferences of Rwanda and South Africa under Agoa starting January 1, 2027, were made public by the Office of the US Trade Representative during the week. The USTR cited barriers to American trade and investment alongside practices it claimed threatened US national security and foreign policy interests.
Relations between the two governments have deteriorated significantly over race, trade, and diplomacy. Washington previously cut financial aid, expelled South Africa’s ambassador, and boycotted a G20 summit in Johannesburg. Last year, US President Donald Trump confronted Ramaphosa in the Oval Office over discredited claims of a white genocide in South Africa.
Fikile Mbalula Criticizes Domestic Critics Seeking American Intervention
African National Congress secretary-general Fikile Mbalula expressed strong satisfaction with the election outcome during an appearance in Orange Grove on Wednesday. Mbalula accused Trump of acting very negatively toward South Africa, noting that domestic critics who sought American intervention were misguided.
His friends here in South Africa, who go to America and influence America [Corné] Mulder, AfriForum and all of them. When America pulls the plug, they want to blame it on us,
Mbalula told journalists after casting his vote.
While welcoming the Republican legislative setbacks, Mbalula acknowledged that the AGOA decision would have economic consequences for South Africa. Trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau and his team face immediate pressure to mitigate those economic consequences. Official data indicates that roughly 10% of South African products shipped to the US utilized AGOA preferences in 2025, showing a drop from 28% the year before.
Cyril Ramaphosa Emphasizes Ongoing Bilateral Trade Relations
Speaking after casting his vote in municipal elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that bilateral trade relations would continue despite the preferential trade exclusion. Whilst we are sad that we’ve been removed from AGOA, our trade relations with the United States continue,
Ramaphosa stated, adding that economic diversification had become a priority for Pretoria.
Ramaphosa sees a "new era" with the US after the Democrats' midterm sweep 🔥🔥🔥🔥 After voting in Johannesburg in today's municipal elections, President Ramaphosa said the Democrats winning both the House and the Senate "is going to introduce a new era in world relations." He… pic.twitter.com/llDdw5zr3r
Political analyst Professor Richard Calland noted on 702 that the Democratic majority in Congress could provide greater legislative oversight to challenge executive decisions, potentially easing tensions. People seem to have now seen through the bluster of Donald Trump. They’ve seen the truth, if you like,
Calland said, according to EWN. While the executive branch retains primary authority over foreign policy and trade eligibility decisions, analysts suggest that fighting with Pretoria may slip down Washington’s legislative agenda as congressional Democrats open aggressive scrutiny of the administration’s final two years.
South Africa remains the United States’ largest trading partner on the African continent, hosting more than 500 US businesses and 30,000 American citizens.
Trade minister Parks Tau engaged with the National Economic Development and Labour Council on October 29, 2026, to address the fallout, while government officials continue to pursue a bilateral trade agreement with the US.
We have seen that the Democrats have taken control of the Senate and of the House, and the people of America have spoken. … I do think that this is going to introduce a new era in world relations,
Ramaphosa said, as reported by Cape Town ETC.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Democrats' US midterm victory could help improve relations between Pretoria and Washington.https://t.co/IRQrkJ1NNg
Fighting with Pretoria may slip down his agenda now.
Professor Richard Calland, Political Analyst