US President Donald Trump has announced that South African goods will be hit with a 30% tariff starting on 7 August, in a move that threatens to derail one of the country’s most critical trade relationships.
The tariffs mark the highest imposed on any sub-Saharan African nation, and come amid increasingly strained diplomatic ties between Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The decision is a major blow to South Africa, whose exports to the United States – its second-largest trading partner – are vital for industries such as automobiles, agriculture, textiles, and wine.
Until now, these sectors had enjoyed duty-free access to the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
That arrangement, introduced in 2000 to boost African economic development through trade, now appears effectively terminated ahead of its scheduled review in September.
Tariffs Across the Continent
In a sweeping move, the US has also imposed tariffs on other African nations:
- 30% for South Africa, Algeria, Libya
- 25% for Tunisia
- 15% for Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d`Ivoire, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia
- 10% for Kenya, Ethiopia
Trump argues the tariffs are necessary to protect American jobs and industry, stating: “African countries have had a free ride. It’s time for fair trade.”
Ramaphosa Responds: ‘We Will Keep Negotiating’
President Ramaphosa responded by confirming that negotiations are ongoing, with a framework trade deal already submitted to US officials.
That deal reportedly included:
- Purchasing US liquefied natural gas
- Easing poultry import rules
- $3.3 billion investment into US sectors like mining
Ramaphosa also announced that a domestic support package is being finalised to help South African firms most vulnerable to the new tariffs.
“We are deeply concerned about the implications of this decision on jobs and investment. Our priority is to protect South African industries and workers,” the president said.
Some exceptions have been made for strategic exports, including pharmaceuticals, copper, semiconductors, stainless steel scrap, and certain energy products.
Tensions at an All-Time High
US-South Africa relations have sharply deteriorated under the Trump administration.
The US president has cut all aid to the country and accused it of discriminating against its white minority – a claim South Africa has strongly denied.
Ramaphosa’s attempt to mend ties at a May meeting with Trump appears to have failed.
This week, Trump hinted he might skip the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, saying: “I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa. They have some very bad policies.”
Wine Industry Among Worst Hit
South Africa’s wine industry – with the US its fourth-largest export market – warned that the 30% tariff puts it at a “severe disadvantage” compared to countries still enjoying lower or no duties.
Industry body Wines of South Africa has urged both governments to resolve the issue swiftly, warning of long-term damage to trade, jobs, and investment.
With just days to go before implementation, pressure is mounting on Pretoria to either strike a deal or cushion the blow – as businesses brace for a sharp economic impact and possible job losses.
Full list of all countries and the reciprocal tariffs they face:
- Afghanistan – 15%
- Algeria – 30%
- Angola – 15%
- Bangladesh – 20%
- Bolivia – 15%
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30%
- Botswana – 15%
- Brazil – 10%
- Brunei – 25%
- Cambodia – 19%
- Cameroon – 15%
- Chad – 15%
- Costa Rica – 15%
- Côte d`Ivoire – 15%
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – 15%
- Ecuador – 15%
- Equatorial Guinea – 15%
- Falkland Islands – 10%
- Fiji – 15%
- Ghana – 15%
- Guyana – 15%
- Iceland – 15%
- India – 25%
- Indonesia – 19%
- Iraq – 35%
- Israel – 15%
- Japan – 15%
- Jordan – 15%
- Kazakhstan – 25%
- Laos – 40%
- Lesotho – 15%
- Libya – 30%
- Liechtenstein – 15%
- Madagascar – 15%
- Malawi – 15%
- Malaysia – 19%
- Mauritius – 15%
- Moldova – 25%
- Mozambique – 15%
- Myanmar (Burma) – 40%
- Namibia – 15%
- Nauru – 15%
- New Zealand – 15%
- Nicaragua – 18%
- Nigeria – 15%
- North Macedonia – 15%
- Norway – 15%
- Pakistan – 19%
- Papua New Guinea – 15%
- Philippines – 19%
- Serbia – 35%
- South Africa – 30%
- South Korea – 15%
- Sri Lanka – 20%
- Switzerland – 39%
- Syria – 41%
- Taiwan – 20%
- Thailand – 19%
- Trinidad and Tobago – 15%
- Tunisia – 25%
- Turkey – 15%
- Uganda – 15%
- United Kingdom – 10%
- Vanuatu – 15%
- Venezuela – 15%
- Vietnam – 20%
- Zambia – 15%
- Zimbabwe – 15%
Will South Africa manage to cope with the 30% tariffs?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
