United States
The United States is a federal republic in North America, bordered by Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its capital is Washington, DC, and its largest city is New York. With a population exceeding 330-million, the US has the world's largest economy, measured by nominal gross domestic product, and is a leading centre for technology, finance, manufacturing and services. The country operates as a constitutional democracy with a presidential system, comprising 50 states and several territories. Its currency is the US dollar, which serves as the dominant global reserve currency and is widely used in international trade and finance. The US is a founding member of the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and it plays a central role in global economic and security affairs. Major exports include aircraft, machinery, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products and agricultural commodities such as soybeans and maize. The economy is characterised by high levels of innovation, a large consumer market and significant foreign direct investment flows. Key sectors include information technology, healthcare, energy, aerospace and financial services. The US is also a major source of development assistance and health research funding, supporting programmes in HIV treatment, vaccine development and disease surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions.
United States Updates
South African exports to US face new 25% tariff, but with exemptions
By: Terence Creamer 24th July 2026 The US has, from July 24, imposed new tariffs of 12.5% on South African products for the country’s “failure to impose and effectively enforce a... →
Trump praises Nigeria's efforts against violence towards Christians
By: Reuters 23rd July 2026 US President Donald Trump praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his actions against violence, according to a letter released by Nigeria's... →
CPS extends its solidarity with the people of Cuba, condemns the continued US imperialist blockade
22nd July 2026 The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) extends its unwavering revolutionary solidarity to the Communist Party of Cuba, the revolutionary... →
Trade conditions remained tight in June – Sacci 
By: Schalk Burger 21st July 2026 The crude oil price returning to about $72/bl at the end of June had positive effects on business and particularly on general trade conditions for... →
South African rand gains as oil prices fall on US-Iran mediation hopes
By: Reuters 21st July 2026 The South African rand firmed in early trade on Tuesday as global markets assessed mixed developments in the US-Iran conflict, with oil prices... →
SACP condemns the continued US-Israel war against Iran
20th July 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) condemns the continued US-Israel war against Iran, which has caused massive devastation to the people of... →
US immigration regime undoes FIFA World Cup’s promise of universality
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 17th July 2026 By blocking many Africans from participating and attending, the US has made a mockery of FIFA’s apparent commitment to universal access. The 2026... →
Aid group says seven Americans quarantining at Kenya Ebola facility after US travel ban
By: Reuters 17th July 2026 Seven American aid workers who had been in Congo to fight the Ebola outbreak are quarantining at a new isolation facility in Kenya after the US... →
South African rand under pressure as investors monitor latest US strikes on Iran
By: Reuters 16th July 2026 The South African rand came under pressure on Thursday, as the latest escalation in hostilities between the United States and Iran pushed oil... →
US quarantine order for Americans returning from Congo will hurt Ebola response, aid group says
By: Reuters 16th July 2026 Washington's new policy that says American citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where there is an Ebola outbreak, must spend... →
