The South African rand weakened in early trade on Friday, as investors awaited details of President Cyril Ramaphosa's telephone call with his U.S. counterpart President Donald Trump on bilateral trade.

Slapped with a steep tariff, South African officials hope for a deal, but some worry the U.S. may insist that it roll back measures that redress the damage of apartheid.

The United States’ 30% tariffs on South African exports took effect on 8 August, impacting citrus, steel, and more sectors.