South Africa’s Ramaphosa Rejects Trump’s 30% Tariff as ‘Unilateral

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly opposed new 30% trade tariffs imposed by the United States, describing them as "unilateral" and based on a misrepresentation of trade data. The tariffs, announced by US President Donald Trump on Monday, will apply to all South African imports to the US from 1 August 2025, making South Africa the only sub-Saharan African nation singled out in Trump’s latest trade measures.

In a letter to Ramaphosa, Trump claimed South Africa’s trade policies have led to “long-term and persistent trade deficits” with the US, citing tariff and non-tariff barriers. He stated that the 30% tariff could be adjusted if South Africa opens its markets further, but warned that any retaliatory tariffs from South Africa would be matched with additional US duties.

Ramaphosa countered that the tariff does not reflect accurate trade data, noting that over half of South Africa’s imports from the US are duty-free, with an average tariff of 7.6% on the remainder. He vowed to continue diplomatic efforts to secure a “more balanced and mutually beneficial” trade relationship. The decision is a significant setback for South Africa, for which the US is the second-largest trading partner. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) previously granted South Africa’s automobile, agriculture, and textile sectors duty-free access to the US market. South Africa’s Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, suggested Trump’s announcement could signal the end of Agoa, urging urgent domestic reforms to align with global trade requirements. Tensions between the US and South Africa have escalated since Trump took office in January. He has accused South Africa of discriminating against its white minority—a claim Pretoria firmly denies—and halted all US aid to the country. Trump’s tariff move follows a temporary suspension of similar measures in April, after which he gave a 90-day window for trade negotiations. While Trump described the August deadline as “firm” but not absolute, he indicated openness to alternative approaches if South Africa engages constructively. The announcement coincides with strained US-South Africa relations, highlighted by a contentious May meeting where Trump raised disputed claims about the killing of white farmers. South Africa, alongside other African nations, is pushing for trade deals to mitigate the impact of Trump’s tariffs, which he defends as a means to protect American businesses and boost domestic manufacturing.