08/07/2025
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the tariffs announcement by the United States, which will impose a 30% tariff on all South African goods from August 1. According to President Donald Trump's letter to President Ramaphosa, South Africa sells more to the US than it buys. However, President Ramaphosa disputes this assertion, stating that the 30% reciprocal tariff does not accurately reflect the available data on trade relations.
President Ramaphosa's response highlights that the average import duty on goods entering South Africa is 7.6%, with 77% of US goods entering the South African market duty-free. South Africa and the United States have been engaged in trade negotiations, with South Africa awaiting a template from the US regarding the Framework Deal submitted on May 20, 2025. This Framework Deal addresses the issues raised by the US, including South Africa's supposed trade surplus, unfair trade practices, and lack of reciprocity. π€ππ°ππ«πΈππ¨π₯
