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Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged receipt of a formal communication from United States President Donald Trump, notifying South Africa of a new unilateral 30% trade tariff to be imposed on goods imported from South Africa.
In a letter dated 7 July 2025, President Trump stated that the tariffs would come into effect from 1 August 2025, citing a disputed interpretation of the balance of trade between the two nations.
“This 30% tariff is based on a particular interpretation of the balance of trade between South Africa and the United States. This contested interpretation forms part of the issues currently under discussion between the two countries’ negotiating teams,” the Presidency said in an official statement.
South Africa has rejected the interpretation that underpins the new tariff, asserting that it does not reflect accurate trade data. According to the Presidency, South Africa’s analysis shows that the average tariff on imported goods stands at 7.6%, while 56% of all goods enter South Africa at a 0% most favoured nation (MFN) tariff. Furthermore, 77% of goods imported from the United States are currently subject to 0% duty.
“South Africa will continue its diplomatic engagements aimed at achieving a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States,” the Presidency stated.
The statement also welcomed the US government’s willingness to revise the 30% tariff, subject to the outcome of ongoing negotiations. Discussions have been underway, with a key meeting held on the side-lines of the US-Africa Summit in Luanda on 23 June 2025.
“It was during this meeting that South Africa became aware of a template the US intends to use in its trade engagements with sub-Saharan Africa. Although South Africa has yet to receive this template, President Ramaphosa has instructed the negotiating team to engage urgently, based on the Framework Deal submitted by South Africa on 20 May 2025,” the statement read.
The framework addresses US concerns around trade surplus, perceived unfair trade practices, and issues of reciprocity.
President Ramaphosa has also encouraged government trade negotiators and South African businesses to fast-track efforts towards market diversification, aimed at strengthening the country’s economic resilience and global supply chain integration.
He further noted that South Africa is not alone in receiving this tariff notice, which was also sent to several other countries on 7 July 2025.
