U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 30% tariff on all South African exports to the United States, escalating tensions with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government. The tariffs, set to take effect on 7 August, represent the harshest rate imposed on any sub-Saharan African country.
South Africa, the U.S.’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, now faces a heavier blow than other regional economies. Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe will face a 15% levy, while Algeria and Libya will also be subjected to a 30% rate. Tunisian goods will be taxed at 25%, with Kenya and Ethiopia seeing a smaller 10% tariff.
The tariffs effectively dismantle key benefits South Africa previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which had provided duty-free access to the U.S. market since 2000. The AGOA program was due for review in September but Trump’s decision now preempts its benefits.
Trump defended the move, saying the tariffs are necessary to shield U.S. industries from foreign competition and boost domestic manufacturing and jobs.
The decision follows months of unsuccessful negotiations between Pretoria and Washington. South Africa had proposed a trade package that included U.S. liquefied natural gas purchases, relaxed import rules on U.S. poultry, and $3.3 billion in U.S. investments, Reuters reported.
Reacting to the announcement, Ramaphosa said his administration had submitted a framework deal to the U.S. and would “continue negotiating,” while also preparing measures to support sectors hit hardest by the tariffs.
The South African government confirmed that exemptions outlined in a previous U.S. executive order—covering goods such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy products—would remain in force.
Relations between Washington and Pretoria have sharply deteriorated since Trump took office. The U.S. president has cut off aid to South Africa and accused the government of discrimination against the white minority, a claim that Pretoria denies.
Attempts by Ramaphosa to repair ties—including talks in May—have failed to yield results. Earlier this week, Trump hinted he might skip the G20 Leaders Summit scheduled for later this year in Johannesburg, saying, “I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa. They have some very bad policies.”