30% on South African imports: Ramaphosa hits back at new Trump tariffs

Ramaphosa Slams 30% U.S. Tariffs on South African Imports, Urges Economic Diversification

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned a new wave of tariffs imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling the move “unilateral and unjustified.” The 30% tariff announced on South African imports marks a major escalation in ongoing trade tensions between the two nations and signals Washington’s growing protectionist stance under Trump’s second term.

The tariffs come amid the White House’s wider international trade strategy, which has seen increased levies placed on goods from multiple countries. While the U.S. delayed the start of some tariffs imposed in April 2025, 14 nations — including Japan, South Korea, and notably South Africa — received official communication this week notifying them of new and elevated tariff rates.

South Africa stands out as the only sub-Saharan African country on the list, prompting widespread concern about the geopolitical motivations behind the decision.

Ramaphosa Responds: “An Inaccurate Representation”

In a detailed statement released by the South African presidency on Tuesday, Pretoria rejected the justification behind the tariffs. According to the statement, the 30% reciprocal tariff cited by the Trump administration is not aligned with factual trade figures.

“South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data,” the statement said. “In our interpretation of the available trade data, the average tariff on imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6%. Importantly, 56% of goods enter South Africa at 0% most-favoured-nation tariff, with 77% of U.S. goods entering the South African market under a 0% duty.”

Ramaphosa emphasized that the country remains committed to diplomacy, expressing hope for a “more balanced and mutually beneficial” economic relationship with the United States.

Trade Ties Under Strain

The announcement of tariffs comes as U.S.–South Africa relations continue to sour under Trump’s renewed leadership. A high-profile meeting between the two presidents in May failed to mend tensions, with U.S. officials accusing Pretoria of aligning too closely with non-Western global blocs, including BRICS and China.

Analysts also suggest that the U.S. tariffs may be politically motivated, aimed at punishing countries seen as drifting from American influence. South Africa’s neutral stance on several key global conflicts and its deepening partnerships with nations like China and Russia have raised red flags in Washington.

South Africa Calls for Economic Resilience

In response to the trade blow, the South African presidency urged local companies to accelerate diversification, both in markets and in supply chains. The statement warned that the evolving global trade landscape demands resilience and innovation from African economies.

“South African companies must diversify their export destinations and supply chains to withstand external shocks and trade disruptions,” the statement advised.

Experts have echoed this sentiment, pointing to the opportunity for South Africa to strengthen intra-African trade, leverage African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreements, and invest in value-added exports instead of raw materials.

What’s Next?

While Pretoria remains hopeful about resolving the tariff issue through diplomatic channels, it has not ruled out retaliatory measures or seeking support through international trade organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Meanwhile, South African exporters fear the move could hit industries ranging from automotive and wine exports to minerals and agriculture, particularly if the U.S. becomes less accessible to South African goods.

With global trade alliances continuing to shift, South Africa finds itself at a crossroads — working to preserve its American trade ties while actively realigning with emerging markets and regional partners.

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