South Africa has formally requested an extension of the July 9 deadline for new U.S. tariffs to allow more time to finalize a trade agreement with President Donald Trump’s administration, the trade ministry said Tuesday.
Trump announced a 31% tariff on U.S. imports from South Africa in April as part of his “reciprocal” global tariff plan but paused implementation for 90 days to allow for negotiations.
Pretoria is seeking exemptions for key exports such as cars, auto parts, steel, and aluminium, and has offered to import U.S. liquefied natural gas in return. It is also pushing for a cap of 10% on any tariffs that do apply, according to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
South African officials met last week in Luanda with U.S. Assistant Trade Representative Connie Hamilton, who outlined a new U.S. framework for engaging African countries. As a result, South Africa and other nations are requesting a deadline extension to align with the updated template.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has not yet commented.
The U.S. is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China. If the tariffs are enforced, South Africa warns it could lose up to 35,000 jobs in the citrus industry alone, in addition to damage to other manufacturing and agricultural exports.
President Cyril Ramaphosa presented a trade proposal during his White House visit in May, where he reportedly faced false accusations from Trump regarding a so-called “genocide” of white South Africans. Ramaphosa later described the talks as constructive.
Trade Minister Parks Tau urged South African industry to remain calm. “Government will continue using every available avenue to engage with the U.S. and find amicable solutions,” he said.