Just when we thought the storm had passed, Trump has again threatened a 30% tariff on South African exports to the US, effective 1 August.
This comes after a 90-day pause on tariffs first announced during his “Liberation Day” speech on 2 April, where Trump unveiled a plan to rebalance trade deficits with countries he claims are taking advantage of America. SA was initially hit with a 31% tariff, but key exports like platinum and gold were temporarily spared.
Now the gloves are off. In a near-copy-paste letter sent to 22 world leaders—including Ramaphosa—Trump said 30% isn’t nearly enough to close the trade gap. He warned that if SA retaliates with its own tariffs, the US will match them and then some.
South Africa had been scrambling to strike a deal in time. Back in May, Trade Minister Parks Tau proposed a framework offering the US access to SA markets—think natural gas, fracking tech, and seasonal fruit. But Washington rejected the plan, proposing instead a new “template” for all African countries. We still haven’t seen that template, by the way.
Ramaphosa hit back this week, saying the tariffs are based on dodgy data. He noted that 80% of US goods already enter SA tariff-free, and urged local exporters to diversify, stat.
Meanwhile, SA’s vehicle and steel exports to the US have already taken a knock since April, while US petroleum imports to SA have doubled.
Trump has also threatened a 10% penalty for aligning with BRICS.
Trump’s tariff rollout has been chaotic, to say the least. He promised to finalise trade deals with a dizzying number of countries in the 90-day pause earlier this year. But only two materialised: the UK and Vietnam. The rest? Letters, posted to social media, threatening tariffs from 20% to 50% on nearly two dozen countries. Trump has made key decisions publicly and off the cuff, noting recently that some African leaders he happened to be meeting with might be spared tariffs. He’s based tariff rates on what he calls “common sense” and even said a “letter means a deal.” With Trump, the only consistent thing is inconsistency.
There’s still hope—kinda. The US says deals could still be made at Trump’s discretion. (But… don’t hold your breath.)
