In a major escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has announced that South African exports to the United States will be subjected to a 30% tariff starting Wednesday, August 7, 2025. South Africa is the only sub-Saharan African country singled out for this level of tariff in the latest White House directive.
Other African nations, including Lesotho and Zimbabwe, will face a 15% tariff, also taking effect in seven days.
The move marks a significant blow to South Africa, whose automobile, agriculture, and textile industries have long benefited from duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The US is currently South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, making the new tariffs a potentially devastating hit to its export-driven sectors.
The tariff hike comes amid worsening diplomatic relations between President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Despite efforts by South Africa to avert the move—including negotiations involving a proposed $3.3 billion investment in US industries, increased LNG imports, and the relaxation of US poultry import regulations—Trump moved forward with the decision.
Speaking to reporters, Trump defended the tariffs as part of a broader policy to protect American jobs and boost domestic manufacturing.
“I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa. They have some very bad policies,” Trump said, adding that he might “maybe send someone else” to attend the G20 Leaders Summit scheduled to be hosted later this year in Johannesburg.
Ramaphosa pledges continued negotiations
Responding to the tariff announcement, President Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa has submitted a new trade framework to the US and would continue to engage in negotiations.
“In the meantime, government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs,” Ramaphosa said.
Relations between the two countries have steadily deteriorated since Trump took office. Earlier, the US administration suspended all aid to South Africa, citing alleged discrimination against the white minority—a claim South African officials have vehemently denied.
Trump’s stance is widely seen as jeopardizing AGOA, a key pillar of US-Africa trade, and could signal a broader shift in Washington’s approach to African economies.
Khanyisile Ngcobo | BBC Africa
Please download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online on our social media platforms to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.
#HotDigitalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealth #GhanaNursesAssociationUK #HealthMatters #HotDigitalOnline #StrongerTogether
