South Africa is not "anti-American" and still hopes to finalize a trade deal with the US, a trade ministry spokesman said. Kaamil Ali has told Reuters that the country's negotiations with the US remain "constructive and fruitful" and formal communication is pending. Ali's comments come after US President Donald Trump called BRICS, of which South Africa is a member, "anti-American" and threatened to impose a 10% tariff on nations aligned to the grouping. BRICS leaders are currently meeting in Brazil. South Africa has been in negotiationg for a trade deal with the US since May when President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Trump. According to the US president, several trade deals are in final stages and higher tariffs that will come into effect on August 1 will be announced this week. #DWafricaSocialMedia