South Africa rolls out emergency export lifeline as US 30% tariffs bite

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has activated emergency measures to shield exporters from a 30% U.S. tariff increase taking effect August 1.

The intervention aims to protect jobs, maintain market access, and accelerate diversification to alternative markets in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Central to the strategy is a newly launched Export Support Desk, offering real-time updates, compliance guidance, and direct links to South African diplomatic missions abroad. The service targets critical sectors including automotive, agro-processing, steel, and chemicals, which face acute risks from the tariff hike.

Exporters are urged to contact regional specialists: Nthatisi Moraloge and Karabo Modimokwane for Americas-related queries, Zamaswazi Nkosi and Mncedisi Madela for African markets, and designated officers for ASEAN, Europe, and the Middle East. Full contact details and advisory resources are available on the DTIC website.

The department emphasised its commitment to defending South Africa global trade position amid rising protectionism, calling for unified industry engagement to navigate the crisis.