S-Africa hits out at recent Trump tariffs
(MENAFN) South Africa has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on its exports, calling the move unilateral and based on a misrepresentation of trade data. The tariff, announced by President Donald Trump on Monday, is set to take effect on August 1 and will apply to all South African goods, regardless of sector.
Trump justified the new duty by claiming South Africa has maintained unfair trade practices and contributed to a growing U.S. trade deficit. He stated that the tariff rate could be adjusted depending on future relations with Pretoria.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by confirming receipt of the official notice, rejecting the justification behind the tariff. According to Ramaphosa, the average import tariff in South Africa is 7.6%, and around 77% of American products enter the country duty-free.
This development follows an earlier 31% tariff that had been scheduled to take effect on July 9. South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) had requested an extension during a recent US-Africa Summit in Angola, aiming to renegotiate under a new trade framework. Pretoria has been pushing for a reduced worst-case tariff of 10%.
South Africa is currently the biggest beneficiary of the U.S.’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free exports to the American market. The U.S. is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, after China.
However, diplomatic tensions have worsened since Trump returned to office in January. He has accused South Africa of mistreating white citizens, suspended all U.S. aid, and expelled the country’s ambassador. In response, Ramaphosa has ordered his trade team to urgently engage with U.S. officials using a strategy presented in a May meeting with Trump, aiming to resolve concerns around trade balances and market access.
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