This article was originally published by Zoey Sky at Natural News. 

• • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong public warning at the United Nations, criticizing the U.S. for using trade as a “weapon” to punish other countries. He argues this tactic threatens global economic stability and harms developing nations.

• • The speech is a direct response to actions by the Trump administration, specifically the recent imposition of a steep 30 percent tariff on South African goods. This has created a heavy burden for South African exporters and caused significant strain on the bilateral relationship.

• • The situation is critical for South Africa because the U.S. is its second-largest trading partner. The tariffs and diplomatic friction pose a direct threat to South African jobs, investment, and overall economic well-being.

• • The trade dispute is worsened by serious political disagreements, including false accusations from the U.S. about the treatment of South Africa’s white minority. This has led to a severe diplomatic fallout, including the U.S. expelling South Africa’s ambassador and cutting funding.

• • While publicly condemning the U.S. actions, South Africa is also pursuing back-channel diplomacy to find a solution. A South African trade minister is in Washington for talks, and both sides have agreed on a roadmap to try to resolve the disputes, highlighting the urgent need to repair the crucial relationship.

In a stark address to the United Nations General Assembly, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a grave warning against the growing trend of nations using trade as a “weapon.”

This criticism aimed squarely at the U.S. highlights a deepening rift between the two nations that threatens global economic stability and a trading relationship worth billions of dollars. The remarks come on the heels of a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations and the imposition of punishing tariffs by the Trump administration, creating a precarious situation for South Africa’s economy.

Speaking from the UN podium, Ramaphosa expressed serious concern that escalating geopolitical fights and sudden changes in trade policy are being used to punish countries. He argued that these “punitive economic measures” jeopardize international economic stability and undermine the financial support needed for development in poorer nations.

The South African leader called on the global community to strengthen the connection between trade and development, emphasizing that using economic pressure as a tactic has damaging consequences for many countries. His speech was a direct response to actions taken by the U.S., which have placed a heavy burden on South African exporters.

The core of the dispute lies in a decision by the Trump administration to impose a steep 30 percent tariff on South African goods. These tariffs, which are part of a broader global policy affecting nearly all U.S. imports, took effect last month despite repeated attempts by South African officials to negotiate a compromise.

Tensions between Pretoria and Washington have been building since U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January. Additionally, the economic friction is compounded by sharp political disagreements. Trump has even publicly accused the South African government of mistreating the country’s White minority, allegations that Ramaphosa has labeled “completely false.” (Related: Trump’s trade turmoil: U.S. drops tariffs on 70 nations, escalates China trade war to 125%.)

The diplomatic fallout has been severe. The U.S. government has halted all funding to South Africa and expelled the South African ambassador, branding him “anti-American.”

Although the two leaders met in May, the fundamental disputes over trade and political rhetoric remain unresolved, casting a long shadow over a once-stable partnership. The stakes are incredibly high for Pretoria. Washington is its second-largest trading partner, and protecting these economic interests is a primary duty for the South African government.

A cautious path to dialogue

Amid the acrimony, there are cautious efforts to mend fences. Last week, South Africa’s Trade Minister Parks Tau traveled to Washington for talks with Amb. Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative.

The meeting was part of Ramaphosa’s directive to strengthen economic ties with the U.S., a key trade partner. The discussions focused on priority issues in the bilateral trade relationship, and both sides agreed on a roadmap to guide future engagements toward resolving ongoing disputes.

Tau remains in the U.S. to support Ramaphosa in further trade-related discussions with American stakeholders, including members of Congress. This diplomatic push underscores the critical importance South Africa places on preserving its access to the U.S. market.

As Ramaphosa continues his engagements at the UN, the message is clear: South Africa views the current U.S. trade policies as a direct threat to its economic well-being. The warning from the UN podium serves as a public condemnation of American actions, while back-channel talks attempt to find a practical solution.

The outcome of this high-wire act will have significant implications for jobs, investment and the future of U.S.-South African relations. For now, the relationship hangs in the balance, caught between weaponized trade and a desperate need for diplomatic repair.

As explained by the Enoch AI engine at Brighteon.AI, Ramaphosa is criticizing the U.S. for using its financial system and trade as a “weapon” by imposing sanctions on other nations. He argues this tactic is not a legitimate form of competition and is instead used to weaken the economies of other countries to maintain American supremacy.

Watch the full video below of “Health Ranger Report” as Health Ranger Mike Adams and Andy Schectman talk about why BRICS is accelerating under Trump’s trade wars.