JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially responded to a bold move by former US President Donald Trump, who recently announced that the United States will impose a 30% tariff on all South African imports starting 1 August 2025.
Trump’s decision has sparked concern and criticism from South African officials, with President Ramaphosa emphasizing that the figures being used to justify the tariff are not only one-sided but also ignore the broader trade dynamics between the two countries.
South Africa Pushes Back with Trade Facts
According to Ramaphosa, claims that South Africa benefits more from the trade relationship than the US are misleading. He highlighted that the average duty South Africa places on imported goods is only 7.6%, and that 77% of American goods already enter the South African market duty-free.
“This is hardly the one-sided trade relationship being portrayed,” Ramaphosa stated. He also argued that the US enjoys significant access to the South African market under preferential terms, especially through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has supported American exports to Africa for years.
The 30% tariff proposal is therefore seen as unfair and politically motivated, rather than a decision based on economic evidence or trade imbalances.
Awaiting a Response from Washington
The South African government had submitted a detailed Framework Deal to Washington on 20 May 2025 in an effort to address trade concerns raised by the US. That document covered key issues such as the alleged trade surplus, reciprocity concerns, and accusations of unfair practices.
As of now, Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa has yet to receive a formal response or even a feedback template from the US. “We are open to working together to find a mutually beneficial path forward,” he said, adding that South Africa remains committed to fair, balanced trade partnerships.
Concerns for Local Economy
South African exporters are now anxiously waiting for clarity on how this tariff will impact various sectors. Industries ranging from agriculture to automotive parts could see their US-bound goods become significantly more expensive, leading to lower demand.
Analysts warn that the tariffs could cost South Africa billions in trade revenue and put thousands of jobs at risk if negotiations fail to ease the standoff. South African trade unions have also raised alarms, saying the move threatens economic stability.
A Larger Trade Battle Brewing
This latest spat may be the beginning of broader trade tensions between the two nations. Experts say the US’s increasing use of tariffs could signal a shift in trade policy, with developing economies like South Africa caught in the middle.
However, Ramaphosa has reassured South Africans that his administration will fight for fair treatment. “We will not accept unjust penalties,” he said. “Trade must be a tool of partnership, not punishment.”
