South Africa is eyeing a major energy deal with the United States that could see the country importing up to 100 petajoules (PJ) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually over the next decade—potentially worth as much as $12 billion.

The proposed agreement was unveiled during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the White House, where he met with President Donald Trump to discuss trade relations.

The LNG deal forms part of a wider trade package aimed at deepening economic ties between the two nations.In a statement shared by Reuters, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed the scope of the offer: “(South Africa) and the US will negotiate an arrangement to facilitate LNG imports from the US at the appropriate price.

This will not replace our current suppliers of gas but complement those supplies.”South Africa plans to import between 75PJ and 100PJ of US LNG each year—roughly 75 to 100 million cubic metres.

That could mean trade worth $900 million to $1.2 billion annually based on current prices.Despite tensions during the talks—where Trump raised issues around land reform and Black economic empowerment, and repeated unverified claims of a “genocide” against white farmers—Ramaphosa aimed to refocus the discussions on economic cooperation.

The proposed deal also includes duty-free access for up to 40,000 South African-made vehicles per year, automotive parts used in US production, and significant quotas for steel and aluminium.

With gas supplies from Mozambique under pressure and domestic fracking in the Karoo region stalled due to environmental concerns, the deal could provide South Africa with a vital energy lifeline.

Ntshavheni, who accompanied Ramaphosa to Washington, also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in energy technologies, including fracking, to boost domestic gas production.

The talks reflect a broader US strategy of leveraging energy exports in global trade negotiations, as Trump continues to impose tariffs on various trade partners.