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Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the United States’ imposition of steep new tariffs on South African imports indicates the urgent need for South Africa to adapt to an increasingly volatile global trade environment.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa described the 30% tariff increase as a significant blow to key export-driven sectors, including agriculture, automotive and textiles. The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, and the new duties are expected to affect both domestic industries and the broader economy.
“Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries,” the president said.
“These measures will have a considerable impact on industries that rely heavily on exports to the US and on the workers they employ, as well as on our fiscus.”
Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s trade relationship with the United States has long been complementary rather than competitive. He pointed to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has historically allowed South African goods duty-free access to the US market.
“South African exports do not compete with US producers and do not pose a threat to US industry,” he said, highlighting citrus as an example. South African citrus exports — currently filling a supply gap caused by declining US production and citrus greening disease—have helped stabilise prices for American consumers.
Dear Fellow South African,
The decision by the United States to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports highlights the urgency with which we have to adapt to increasingly turbulent headwinds in international trade.
— Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 4, 2025
The president reiterated government’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that “all channels of communication remain open to engage with the U.S.” to preserve market access.
At the same time, Ramaphosa called for a national pivot toward diversification, including intra-African trade and markets in Asia and the Middle East. Government has established an Export Support Desk to assist affected businesses and is developing a broader support package for vulnerable companies and workers.
‘This moment presents us with an opportunity to push forward with the implementation and expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said. “Reducing over-dependence on certain markets is a strategic imperative.”
Trade missions will be expanded in the coming months as part of the National Exporter Development Programme, which aims to increase the number of export-ready local companies.
Ramaphosa noted that South Africa is not alone in facing rising protectionism from the US, with many other export-reliant countries—both developed and developing — also impacted.
“The international trading system is changing,” he said.
“Complacency will not serve us, and building resilience is imperative.”
The tariff hike is due to come into effect this Friday.
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