President Cyril Ramaphosa has voiced serious concern regarding the United States’ recent imposition of reciprocal tariffs on South African exports.
The tariffs, set at 30 per cent, form part of broader trade measures that the U.S. has applied to several of its international trade partners. The new duties took effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time, one week after August 1, 2025.
The South African government affirmed that it would actively continue negotiations with U.S. authorities to address the impact of these tariffs. President Ramaphosa emphasised that all exceptions outlined in prior U.S. Executive Orders remain in place.
These exceptions cover key products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap, and energy-related products.
According to a statement by the country, government officials have already engaged U.S. counterparts, submitting a framework deal aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial trade and investment ties. It noted that all diplomatic channels remain open, with South African negotiators prepared to engage further pending a formal invitation from the U.S.
In response to the looming tariffs, South Africa disclosed that it was finalising a support package to assist exporters, companies, and workers most vulnerable to the new duties. Details of the assistance measures will be announced in forthcoming communications.
Ramaphosa highlighted the complementary nature of trade relations between South Africa and the U.S., noting that South African exports do not threaten U.S. industries. Furthermore, he stressed that South African exports often include inputs sourced from across the African continent, thereby promoting intra-African trade.
To safeguard the economy, the South African government said it planned to intensify efforts to diversify markets and enhance economic resilience. Partnerships with export councils, industry associations, and leading exporters to the US are being strengthened. An Export Support Desk has been established by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to provide exporters with updates and advisory services; detailed information will be made available on the dtic website.
The U.S. Executive Order further clarifies that goods loaded and in transit before the effective time will not be subject to the new additional duties but will remain under the previous tariff regime referenced in Executive Order 14257, as amended. This transitional provision will apply to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses before 12:01 AM EDT on October 5, 2025.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to exhausting all diplomatic avenues to protect national interests, preserve jobs, and maintain the production of high-quality goods destined for global markets.
