Trump Slams 30% Tariff On South African Goods

United States President Donald Trump has moved to impose a 30% tariff on all South African imports, intensifying trade tensions under his administration’s reciprocal duties policy, according to reports from EWN.

Trump reportedly communicated the decision directly to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, asserting that South Africa has long benefited from trade imbalances through what he described as non-tariff barriers. The White House maintains that the tariff is a corrective measure designed to create what it terms a “more balanced trade system.”

In his message to Ramaphosa, Trump warned that any retaliatory response by South Africa could lead to even higher tariffs, indicating little room for negotiation or reversal under current U.S. trade policy direction.

“South Africa has long benefited from trade deficits through non-tariff barriers,” Trump said, justifying the sweeping 30% import tax. “These tariffs will create a more balanced trade system.”

Despite diplomatic efforts from South Africa aimed at reversing the tariff decision, the new rate remains firmly in place. Pretoria has yet to release a full formal response, but initial reports confirm that President Ramaphosa disputed Trump’s interpretation of the trade balance between the two nations.

South Africa, which exports a wide range of products to the United States—from automobiles and wine to minerals and manufactured goods—could face significant economic implications from the new tariff regime, especially if retaliatory trade measures follow.

“We do not agree with the U.S. government’s interpretation of the current balance of trade,” Ramaphosa reportedly stated in his response, though further details of the communication remain undisclosed.

The new development adds to the growing list of global trade disputes triggered by Trump’s “America First” economic strategy, which has seen similar tariff impositions on allies and trade partners under the pretext of trade reciprocity and domestic protectionism.