South Africa Braces for Job Losses as US Tariffs Kick In
SOUTH AFRICA, AUG 7 – US tariffs of 30% target South African automotive and agricultural sectors, prompting government interventions to protect jobs and industry stability, officials said.
- As South Africa’s 30% duty takes effect on Thursday, 7 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged US President Donald Trump on trade talks.
- Last week, an executive order signed by President Donald Trump raised US duties from 10% to between 15% and 41%, including a 30% tariff on South African goods.
- Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the Cabinet approved interventions, including the Export and Competitiveness Support Programme and export support desk, to mitigate roughly 30,000 job losses.
- Respective trade negotiating teams will advance detailed discussions, and the two leaders committed to continued engagement while the Trump administration will fully participate in the G20 meetings.
- With the US as a major vehicle export market, the government is intensifying its diversification strategy to build resilience and expand exports to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
26 Articles
26 Articles
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The diplomatic war between South Africa and the USA that erupted shortly after the re-election of President Donald Trump came to a head on 1 August after Washington slapped South Africa with a 30% trade tariff on all goods destined for the USA. The punitive tariffs will begin to bite on 7 August 2025. Many observers contend the tariffs have much to do with politics and less so with economic imperatives. Trump's governing coalition includes white…
South Africa braces for job losses as US tariffs kick in
South Africa fears significant job losses, especially in the farmers and automobile industries, due to a 30% US tariff on its imports after failing to secure a trade deal before President Trump's deadline. In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss bilateral trade, with their negotiating teams set to hold more detailed talks, Ramaphosa's office said Thursday. FRANCE 24's Tom C…
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