South Africa waits anxiously for a response from the U.S. on its trade proposal as a looming tariff deadline nears.
Officials confirmed on Monday that, with just four days left before a 30% tariff hits, no substantive reply has been received. Pretoria remains silent on delicate negotiations amid tensions over South Africa’s domestic policies and its genocide case against Israel.
Trade Minister Parks Tau’s spokesperson, Kaamil Alli, acknowledged talks are ongoing but gave no further details on progress. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently imposed and then delayed tariffs globally, aiming to negotiate lower rates with trading partners.
Last week, the U.S. struck deals with the EU and Japan, reducing tariffs to 15% from the initially threatened 25-30%. Trump indicated tariffs might range from 15% to 20% for countries without negotiated agreements, without mentioning South Africa specifically.
South Africa proposed a maximum tariff of 10% and exemptions for some products, hoping to soften the blow. Opposition party Democratic Alliance expressed concern over a lack of transparency and fears a deal remains distant.
Farmers urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to act swiftly, warning of devastating job losses in agriculture and automotive sectors. South Africa’s central bank warns the tariff could cost about 100,000 jobs, deepening economic uncertainty.
Last week, Tau hinted at progress, citing a signed “condition precedent” with U.S. trade officials but kept details secret. Boitshoko Ntshabele, Citrus Growers’ Association CEO, warned local job losses before the next season are inevitable without a deal.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office declined to comment on the pending negotiations, keeping the outcome uncertain. South Africa, reliant on the U.S. as its second-largest trading partner, faces a critical economic crossroads as the deadline approaches.