Africa’s richest country hit with 30% US tariff after trade talks fail.
South Africa is set to face a 30% tariff on its exports to the United States starting next week, after failing to secure a trade agreement before a deadline imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The tariffs, outlined in an executive order signed Thursday, will apply to dozens of countries, with rates ranging between 10% and 41%. The measures take effect in seven days as part of Trump’s broader push to renegotiate trade relationships in favour of the U.S.
Pretoria had been negotiating for months to avert the tariff hike, proposing to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas and pledging $3.3 billion in investments into American industries. But those overtures fell short, even after a last-minute attempt to sweeten the deal.
South African Trade Minister Parks Tau called the tariff escalation a direct threat to the country’s export-driven sectors, particularly automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, steel, and chemicals.
The U.S. is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner after China. Key South African exports to the U.S. include vehicles, iron and steel products, and citrus fruits.
Source: Africabusinessinsider