South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to slap a blanket 30 % tariff on all South-African exports from 1 August, calling the measure “unilateral” and “out of step with the real trade balance between our nations.”
In a letter dated Monday, Trump said South Africa’s “persistent tariff and non-tariff barriers” had produced “far-from-reciprocal” trade and warned the new rate could go higher if Pretoria retaliates. He added that Washington might lower the levy should South Africa open its markets further.
The move hits the only sub-Saharan African economy singled out in the latest round of so-called “reciprocal” tariffs, underscoring an increasingly fraught relationship between the two administrations. The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, and sectors such as autos, wine and citrus have long relied on duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Ramaphosa, whose government is still negotiating with U.S. trade officials, argued that more than half of South Africa’s imports from the United States enter duty-free and that the average tariff on the rest is just 7.6 %. He pledged “continued diplomatic engagement” to secure a “balanced and mutually beneficial” outcome.
Trump first floated the 30 % levy in April but paused implementation for 90 days while talks continued. The new executive order revives the threat, setting a firm—though negotiable—start date of 1 August.
Analysts warn the tariff could deepen economic pain for South Africa’s export industries and complicate investor sentiment just as Pretoria seeks to rebuild foreign trade ties.