Cape Town – Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says the government is strengthening trade and investment partnerships with countries in Asia, the Middle East, and India to counter the effects of a 30% tariff imposed by the US.
This strategy aims to protect jobs and diversify markets, while diplomatic talks with the US continue.
Tau announced that Cabinet has approved submitting a revised trade deal offer to Washington, aimed at lowering the tariff on South African exports.
[WATCH] “Government is going to do everything possible to keep the American market open.” – Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/N6QXox2xEb
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 12, 2025
“Cabinet has approved that South Africa submits a revised offer as a basis for negotiations with the US,” Tau told a press conference, according to Reuters.
“The new offer substantively responds to the issues the US has raised in the 2025 National Trade Estimates Report.”
South Africa has been negotiating with the US for months but failed to reach an agreement before the previous administration’s deadline, resulting in the highest tariff rate imposed on any Sub-Saharan African country.
[WATCH] Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says SA is looking at India, Japan and Vietnam markets to mitigate the effect of U.S tariffs. pic.twitter.com/kSgEkgdWNQ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 12, 2025
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said that South African trade does not threaten US production, suggesting the new tariffs on South Africa, Brazil, and India reflect broader issues beyond traditional trade concerns, SABC News reported.
Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau is together with Agriculture minister John Steenhuissen giving an update on South Africa’s efforts on mitigation measures against imposition of a 30% tariff on South African goods by the United States #Tariffs #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/qI4opDTOr0
— Katlego Legodi (@KatlegoLegodi_) August 12, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
