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Local – Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on South African imports, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged trade negotiators and local companies to respond swiftly.
The tariff, announced on July 7, 2025, is part of a broader U.S. policy targeting multiple countries. Ramaphosa confirmed he had received formal correspondence from President Trump and criticised the rationale behind the tariff.
“This 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the United States,” he said. “This contested interpretation forms part of the issues under consideration by the negotiating teams from South Africa and the United States. Accordingly, South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data.”
According to South Africa’s data, the average tariff on imported goods entering the country is 7.6%, and 77% of U.S. goods currently enter duty-free.
Negotiators Await U.S. Framework
Negotiators from both countries are already in discussions. South Africa has welcomed the U.S. government’s indication that the tariff may be revised, depending on the outcome of these talks.
“South Africa will continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. We welcome the commitment by the US government, that the 30% tariff is subject to modification at the back of the conclusion of our negotiations with the United States,” he said.
The most recent engagement took place on June 23, 2025, during the US-Africa Summit in Luanda. It was there that the U.S. introduced the idea of a new trade framework for sub-Saharan Africa.
South Africa is still awaiting the formal template but has already submitted its own Framework Deal on 20 May 2025. This proposal addresses key concerns raised by the U.S., including claims of a trade surplus, unfair trade practices, and issues of reciprocity.
Ramaphosa has instructed the negotiating team to pursue this matter with urgency. He also encouraged South African companies to diversify markets and supply chains to improve resilience.
