South Africa has called for urgent reforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO) following the imposition of significant tariffs by the United States.
Trade Minister Parks Tau expressed deep concern Friday over the new levies, including a substantial 31 percent tariff on US imports from South Africa.
He stated these tariffs would severely disrupt global trade and undermine the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Tau emphasized that the US tariffs disregarded the established systems of the WTO, highlighting a critical need for the organization’s modernization.
South Africa, currently holding the G20 presidency, is advocating for a reinforced multilateral trade system grounded in transparency and universally accepted rules.
The newly implemented US tariffs, ranging from 10 to 50 percent on various trading partners, underscore the urgency of collective action to uphold a rules-based international trade order.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola echoed these concerns, noting the detrimental impact on key South African sectors like automotive and agriculture, with potential job losses and hindered economic growth.
Lamola pointed out that the United States accounted for 7.45 percent of South Africa’s exports in 2024, while South Africa represented a mere 0.4 percent of US imports.
He asserted that South Africa poses no threat to the United States, as the government seeks clarification on the rationale behind the specific tariff rate.