Ramaphosa pushes for talks as US imposes 30% tariff on SA imports
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the correspondence from United States (US) President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa.
In a letter addressed to Ramaphosa yesterday, Trump announced that imports from South Africa would be subjected to new 30% tariffs taking effect from August 1.
'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 under consideration by the negotiating teams from South Africa and the United States.
'Accordingly, South Africa maintains that the 30% reciprocal tariff is not an accurate representation of available trade data,' the Presidency said in a statement.
South Africa's interpretation of the available trade data shows that the average tariff on imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6%.
The Presidency emphasised that 56% of goods enter South Africa at a 0% most-favoured-nation tariff, with 77% of US goods entering the South African market under the 0% duty.
'South Africa will continue with its diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. We welcome the commitment by the US government that the 30% tariff is subject to modification following the conclusion of our negotiations,' the Presidency said.
South Africa has continued to engage the United States, most recently at a meeting held on the sidelines of the US-Africa Summit on June 23 in Luanda.
'It was at this meeting that South Africa learned of a template with which the US wishes to engage sub-Saharan Africa on matters of trade. The South African negotiating team still awaits this template, however, President Ramaphosa has instructed the team to urgently engage with the US on the basis of the Framework Deal that South Africa submitted to the US on May 20.
'This framework deal addresses the issues initially raised by the US, including South Africa's supposed trade surplus, unfair trade practices and lack of reciprocity from the US.
'The president urges government trade negotiation teams and South African companies to accelerate their diversification efforts to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy,' the Presidency said.
Ramaphosa further noted that South Africa is among several countries to have received this communication yesterday. – SAnews.gov.za
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
![2025's most expensive home snapped up by a SOUTH AFRICAN [pics]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesouthafrican.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Fnet-1-final.jpg.optimal.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![2025's most expensive home snapped up by a SOUTH AFRICAN [pics]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fthesouthafrican.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
2025's most expensive home snapped up by a SOUTH AFRICAN [pics]
Nettleton Road in Clifton, Cape Town, is widely regarded as the crown jewel of South African real estate. Often referred to as 'South Africa's most expensive street,' this enviable postcode boasts a collection of ultra-luxurious homes. Now, one of these prized properties has just changed hands – sold to a local buyer in what marks South Africa's most expensive property sale of 2025 so far. Image: Supplied/ Lance Real Estate Described as an 'architectural marvel,' the five-bedroom contemporary home was designed by world-renowned Stefan Antoni. The South African spoke to Lance Cohen from Lance Real Estate, who managed the sale at 5 Nettleton Road. Cohen wasn't able to reveal the identity of the buyer, but did confirm that the new owner is a local. 'All I can tell you is that the buyer is a South African,' Cohen said. 'It's nice to know that South Africans are buying high-end properties – this also signals great confidence in the Western Cape property market.' With an asking price of R160 million, 5 Nettleton Rd was eventually sold for R157 500 000. Image: Supplied/ Lance Real Estate The property boasts lavish interiors throughout, along with a double volume entertainment area that flows seamlessly into a landscaped mountain garden and onto a spacious terrace with a rim-flow pool overlooking Clifton. Image: Supplied/ Lance Real Estate Inside, five expansive en-suite bedrooms are complemented by two self-contained staff quarters, a private cinema, a fully equipped gym, and elevator access to every floor – along with a host of other luxury amenities. Image: Supplied/ Lance Real Estate According to Cohen, in the high-end real estate residential market there are in fact more buyers at R100 million plus than there are actual properties for sale. 'In May we sold an apartment in Clifton with an asking price of R145 million,' he added. 'This is highest documented price for the sale of an apartment in South Africa.' 'A lot of wealthy expats are returning home and Cape Town is the place they want to be.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
2 hours ago
- eNCA
Trade and Industry department counters against Trump's tariffs
This combination of file pictures shows US President Donald Trump (L) and President Cyril Ramaphosa. PRETORIA - The Trade and Industry Department has responded to US tariffs, by launching a support desk for affected companies. The intervention includes a newly established Export Support Desk, to help businesses with market guidance and alternative trading partners. This comes as US prepares to charge South African goods entering the US a 30% tariff. Minister Parks Tau has agreed that US tariffs will affect a number of South Africa's industries that have had a strong working relationship with the US.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Tau launches urgent support measures for exporters affected by US tariffs
South Africans have been asking for more information on the US tariffs. It seems that there is now some movement at last. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Parks Tau has announced in a late statement on Thursday that his department is launching urgent measures to support exporters affected by the US tariffs. His statement came after a week of no communication from the dtic, apart from saying negotiations are at a sensitive stage. He lambasted people spreading rumours, saying in a trying moment for South Africa, there remain people who 'would seek to sabotage our efforts to resolve this impasse'. 'Despite our tireless efforts, which we, where possible, communicated consistently, some segments of our country refuse to be a part of the solution. Instead of providing constructive support to the efforts made by government, the Democratic Alliance continues to release reckless statements which undermine the progress we have been making towards the 1 August deadline. 'This is downright irresponsible for a party in the government of national unity and an integral part of the process. We will not, however, be deterred by this.' ALSO READ: Economists question if SA has a plan for US tariffs, Tau says here it is Set of measures in response to imminent US tariff Tau said the department announced a set of measures in response to the imminent 30% tariff hike on South African exports to the US, which comes into effect on 1 August. 'These urgent interventions are part of the dtic's ongoing commitment to protecting jobs, preserving market access in the US and promoting export diversification to alternate markets in Africa, the EU, Asia, Latin America and other strategic partners.' One of the most important interventions is the establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike. Tau said the Desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African embassies and high commissions abroad. 'This tariff hike poses a direct threat to our export capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, steel and chemicals amongst others. As government, we are fully committed to supporting our exporters through this challenging time. ALSO READ: Citrus growers call on president to urgently intervene about 30% US tariff Dtic working with urgency now 'We are working with urgency and resolve to implement real, practical interventions that defend jobs and position South Africa competitively in a shifting global landscape. The stakes are high and we must respond decisively to ensure our export industries remain resilient, competitive and globally integrated into diversified markets.' Exporters are encouraged to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and also visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support mechanisms. Tau said the dtic remains steadfast in its mission to assist local producers and safeguard South Africa's trade interests amid growing global uncertainty.
