This after US President Donald Trump threatened an extra 10% tariff on countries aligned with the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) grouping. 

Trump accused the BRICS group of developing nations, of which SA is a member, of "anti-American" policies on Sunday as BRICS leaders were holding a summit in Brazil. 

SA has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with Trump's administration since May, when Trump hosted SA President Cyril Ramaphosa for talks in the White House. 

"We still await formal communication from the US in respect our trade deal but our conversations remain constructive and fruitful," Alli told Reuters. 

"As we have communicated previously, we are not anti-American," Alli said. 
--Reuters--