Cape Town – United States President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of a 30% tariff on all South African imports, set to take effect on 1 August, unless a new trade agreement is reached.
The announcement was made in a letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform, citing ongoing trade imbalances and South Africa’s tariff and non-tariff barriers as key concerns.
Trump criticised South Africa’s trade policies, saying they created persistent deficits and an unbalanced relationship.
He warned that any retaliatory tariffs by South Africa would be added to the existing 30%.
“If you wish to open your heretofore closed trading markets to the United States, and eliminate your tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter.
“These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country. You will never be disappointed with the United States of America,” said Trump.
Trump’s letter was part of a broader move, with similar messages sent to other countries like Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.
South Africa had previously submitted a draft trade framework on 20 May and is seeking an extension to the current 90-day tariff pause, which ends on 9 July, to revise its proposals.
Trade Minister Parks Tau remains hopeful negotiations will continue, citing recent US signals of ongoing engagement.
Meanwhile, Trump also warned of additional tariffs for countries aligning with BRICS, which has criticised unilateral tariffs as harmful to global trade.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
