SA slams US tariffs as “barrier to trade”

The South African Presidency has expressed concern over newly imposed 30% tariffs on the country’s exports to the United States, calling them a “barrier to trade” and  threat to shared prosperity.

This move comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on several trading partners, including China, the European Union, Australia, and Brazil.

The US will impose blanket 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates for countries deemed “worst offenders”.

South Africa faces a 30% levy, allegedly due to its 60% tax on US goods.

Trump move aims to force “unfair” trading partners into line, but experts warn of price hikes, supply-chain chaos, and retaliation.

“The Presidency emphasises the need for a new bilateral trade agreement with the US to secure long-term trade certainty.

Recent talks between South African officials and US counterparts aimed to clarify misconceptions about South Africa’s policies, including land expropriation without compensation.

The tariffs may negatively impact South Africa’s economy, particularly automotive industry, which accounted for 64% of the country’s exports under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2024.

South Africa will seek a meeting with US authorities to discuss  implications.