The United States has announced a 30% tariff on South African products, effective August 7, as part of President Donald Trump’s trade policy overhaul.
This move reflects the strained relationship between the US and South Africa, with Trump criticizing the South African government’s policies.
The tariff will significantly impact South Africa’s economy, particularly its automobile, farming, and textile sectors, which previously enjoyed duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to continue negotiations with the US, having submitted a framework deal that includes buying US liquefied natural gas, simplifying rules for US poultry imports, and investing $3.3 billion in US industries like mining. However, Trump’s tariffs may pose a substantial challenge to US-Africa trade relations.
Other southern African nations, including Lesotho and Zimbabwe, will face a 15% tariff.
