Tariffs: SA not even a blip on the United States' radar
To those who claim the ANC brought the new US 30% tariff down upon South Africa, we have just one word: Canada.
There are no – last time we looked, anyway – ANC politicians in America's northern neighbour, nor does Ottawa pursue anything like broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE), yet Canada has been clobbered with a 35% tariff.
While US President Donald Trump has used South Africa to make political capital with his right-wing supporters, the reality is that his 'liberation day' tariffs are all about overhauling the global trade system.
So, even playing nicely – as our government of national unity is trying to do in getting him to accept a grovelling trade deal – is unlikely to work.
Besides, our total trade with the US is only a fraction of the turnover of a medium-sized American city… so we're not even a blip on Washington's trade radar.
Two things might come out of this, however.
One might be a toning down of the B-BBEE strictures – and senior ANC politicians have already hinted at this – while the tariffs will force us to look for other trade partners.
By not putting all our export eggs in a few, risky baskets, we increase our options.
NOW READ: 'It's just gone' – Trump's tariffs cost SA company R750m overnight
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eyewitness News
an hour ago
- Eyewitness News
SA's economy in state of emergency, says the ANC
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has categorised the country's economy as being in a state of emergency. This came to light as the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) concluded its four-day meeting at the Germiston Civic Centre on Monday. ALSO READ: ANC wants communities to participate in councillor nominations The ANC's highest decision-making body in between conferences has been discussing all issues from the State of the Government of National Unity (GNU), United States (US) tariffs and local election preparedness. In his closing address, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa said the organisation remains concerned about the State of the economy. 'We also characterise, the state of our economy as being in a state of emergency that requires drastic action. Our focus on an inclusive and resilient economy is important as we begin this month of August, women's month. The financial and economic inclusion of women is vital to the empowerment of women in our country with the view of achieving gender equality.' ANC DECRIES US 30% TARIFF ON EXPORTS The ANC said the ongoing debacle over United States (US) tariffs shows the need for the country to build a resilient economy and expand to other markets. The US has slapped South Africa with a 30% tariff on all its export goods. The tariffs are set to officially come into effect on Friday unless a deal can be reached with Washington. The ANC NEC has described the US tariffs as punitive; however, it has not said what South Africa is being punished for. Ramaphosa said the party is hopeful a deal can be reached with the country's second largest trading partner. However, Ramaphosa said government has not put all its eggs in the US basket. 'At the same time, we must invest in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade area in diversifying our export markets. DTIC (Department of Trade, Industry & Competition) is already working on a number of interventions to try and support and assist various exporters of products that come from our country.' Ramaphosa has acknowledged setting up new export value chains will take time.
Mail & Guardian
an hour ago
- Mail & Guardian
Nicaragua Celebrates 46 Years of Sandinista Revolution in Pretoria
The Embassy of Nicaragua in South Africa hosted a vibrant commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the Sandinista Popular Revolution at its Waterkloof premises. The event, attended by dignitaries including ambassadors and diplomats from Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Sahrawi Republic and Vietnam, as well as representatives from the ANC, SACP, and South African youth organisations, marked a historic reflection on Nicaragua's transformative journey since 19 July 1979. H.E. Ambassador Danilo Chang Cash opened the event with a stirring address, emphasising the revolution's enduring legacy of justice, freedom, and dignity. He highlighted Nicaragua's strides in social equity, noting the revolution's role in fostering hope and self-determination. 'The Sandinista Revolution reshaped Nicaragua, empowering communities and affirming our commitment to inclusive progress,' he stated. The keynote address by H.E. John Hodgson Deerings, Presidential Advisor for Nicaragua's Southern Caribbean Coast and parliamentarian, provided a detailed recounting of the revolution's history and its profound impact. He underscored the autonomy granted to the Caribbean Coast's Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, including the Miskitu, Mayagna, Rama, Ulwa, Garífuna, and Creole peoples. 'The Statute of Autonomy has preserved ancestral cultures and empowered these communities to shape their future,' Deerings said. He cited significant achievements: over 30% of Nicaragua's territory is now legally recognized as communal property, ensuring sustainable resource use and cultural preservation. Deerings also detailed Nicaragua's developmental strides under the National Plan to Fight Poverty. Primary education coverage exceeds 97%, illiteracy has dropped to 4.5%, and life expectancy has risen to 75 years. Maternal mortality has decreased by 58% since 2006, and 99% of the population enjoys electricity access, with 80% from renewable sources. Women's leadership thrives, with over 50% parliamentary representation, ranking Nicaragua fourth globally. The event concluded with refreshments and renewed calls for solidarity with South Africa, Cuba, Venezuela, Palestine, and Iran, reinforcing Nicaragua's commitment to global justice and cooperation.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
EFF calls for regime change in US: 'Unstable' Trump needs to go to!
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) launched a scathing attack on United States President Donald Trump, describing him as an 'unstable and illiterate imperialist'. The Red Berets rejected the 30% tariffs imposed by the US on South African exports, calling it a deliberate attempt to assert dominance by destabilising weaker economies. In a strongly worded statement, the party also criticised the South African government, warning that this is not the time for what it termed 'sheepish diplomacy.' The EFF said Trump's 'reckless and irrational' tariffs are rooted in a misguided understanding of global trade. The party said the US president poses a serious threat to global economic stability. In the statement, the party also said Trump is a danger to humanity and called for progressive forces across the world to unite and support efforts to remove him from office. The EFF also added that the world has suffered under Trump's rule for too long, calling him a dictator. The statement drew attention to EFF leader Julius Malema's political history. In 2012, he was expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) for calling then-president Jacob Zuma a dictator. Malema had earlier been suspended after being found guilty on three charges, including bringing the ANC into disrepute for advocating regime change in Botswana. The EFF also accused the ANC-led government of failing to improve the country's economy since the end of apartheid. 'Without resolving domestic structural constraints, our country will always be at the mercy of dominant imperial powers, tossed between competing global interests like a leaf in a storm,' the party said. Their comments followed remarks by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, who criticised opposition parties for failing to present a united front in response to the US tariff hike. The new tariffs are set to take effect at 12:01 am on Friday, 8 August. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
