Trump Threatens 30% Tariff on South African Import...

Trump Threatens 30% Tariff on South African Imports Over Trade Deficit Concerns

Zim Now Writer

In a strongly worded letter dated July 7, U.S. President Donald J. Trump informed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of plans to impose a 30% tariff on all South African imports starting August 1, 2025, citing what he described as “very persistent” trade deficits and unfair trade practices.

The letter, written on official White House stationery, expressed Trump’s dissatisfaction with the current U.S.–South Africa trade relationship, describing it as “far from reciprocal.”

He emphasised that the United States has tolerated an imbalanced relationship for years and declared that it was time to “move forward… but only with more balanced and fair TRADE.”

“Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge South Africa a tariff of only 30% on any and all South African products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs,” Trump wrote, adding that goods transshipped to avoid the tariff would still be subject to the same penalty.

While acknowledging the U.S. desire to maintain strong economic ties with South Africa, Trump stressed that “these tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of South Africa’s tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers,” which he claimed were “causing these unsustainable trade deficits against the United States.”

He further warned that any retaliatory measures from South Africa—such as raising tariffs on U.S. goods—would lead to the imposition of additional U.S. tariffs “added onto the 30%.”

Despite the stern tone, Trump extended an invitation for continued trade dialogue, stating: “We invite you to participate in the extraordinary economy of the United States, the number one market in the world, by far.”

He concluded the letter with a message of potential cooperation: “These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country. You will never be disappointed with the United States of America.”

The proposed tariffs are expected to escalate trade tensions between the two countries and could have ripple effects across the Southern African Development Community and Africa’s broader economic relations with Washington.