Zuko Komisa

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday, 7 July, that he will impose new 30% tariffs on imports from South Africa, effective 1 August.
This move was conveyed in a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, signed by Trump and posted on Truth Social.
In the letter, Trump stated, “We have had years to discuss our trading relationship with South Africa, and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term, and very persistent, trade deficits engendered by South Africa’s tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers.”
TRUMP 🇺🇸 TO RAMAPHOSA 🇿🇦
— Athi Mtongana (@AthiMtongana) July 7, 2025
“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal.
Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge South Africa a Tariff of only 30% on any and all South African products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.” pic.twitter.com/Gwj8khH5M1
He also warned that any retaliatory tariffs from South Africa would be met with further hikes from the US.
Similar letters, with varying tariff rates, were also sent to the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Laos, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia.
The South African government, however, contests the US interpretation of trade data, arguing that the tariffs will significantly harm local manufacturers and exporters who heavily rely on the American market.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated, “South Africa maintains the 30% reciprocal tariffs is not an accurate representation of available trade data.”
President Ramaphosa’s administration emphasises the long-standing economic and diplomatic ties with the US, viewing the current dispute as a test of mutual cooperation.
“The President urges government trade negotiations’ teams and South African companies to accelerate their diversification efforts in order to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy,” Magwenya added.
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