South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed on Friday that the nation would “negotiate strongly and as hard as we can.” The statement comes as a new 30% tariff on South African exports, imposed by the United States, was delayed for a week, giving Pretoria a narrow window to find a resolution.
The new tariffs, part of a broader U.S. policy shift under President Donald Trump, were set to take effect today, August 1st. However, a last-minute executive order from the White House pushed the deadline to August 7th.
South Africa is one of many countries facing the new duties, but the 30% rate is one of the highest being levied.
Speaking to journalists today, Ramaphosa emphasized that the primary goal of the intense negotiations currently underway is to “save jobs.”
Economists and the South African Reserve Bank have estimated that the tariffs could cost the economy up to 100,000 jobs, particularly in the critical automotive and agriculture sectors, which have long relied on duty-free access to the U.S. market.
The government’s negotiating team is working against the clock to convince Washington to reconsider the tariffs.
This new tariffs will deliver a significant blow to South Africa, which has a comprehensive strategic partnership with the U.S. and has historically benefited from trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Meanwhile, South African government is also finalizing a support package for companies and workers that will be most affected. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has established an “Export Support Desk” to provide assistance to affected businesses.
Ramaphosa also stressed the need for South Africa to diversify its export markets, acknowledging that it is “too risky just to focus on one.” “We need to be international as the word international”. He emphasized.
