# President Cyril Ramaphosa says trade between nations is a vital part of economic progress, however, there must be a level playing field in global trade. Economists warn that global trade could shrink by three-percent as a result of America’s new tariff measures. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa says trade must remain free, predictable and governed by a rules-based system. He says with developing economies such as South Africa vulnerable to volatility in international trade, government is intensifying efforts to diversify destinations for the country’s products.
Ramaphosa says global trade must remain free and governed by a rules-based system