South Africa on Friday announced plans to introduce support measures for local exporters impacted by President Donald Trump’s new 30 percent tariff, which is expected to severely affect the country’s automotive and agriculture sectors.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has launched an “Export Support Desk” to guide affected companies and explore alternative international markets. Trade Minister Parks Tau described the development as “a trying moment for South Africa.”
The announcement follows Trump’s executive order on Thursday, imposing higher import duties on dozens of countries. The order, part of the US president’s ongoing efforts to reshape global trade, is set to take effect in seven days.
“All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US, and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement. He added that a support package is being finalised for exporters most at risk, with further details to be revealed soon.
Pretoria had spent months attempting to strike a deal with Washington, offering to purchase US liquefied natural gas and invest in American industries in exchange for tariff relief. However, the proposal received no response amid ongoing tensions between the two governments over South Africa’s foreign policy and domestic affirmative action laws, both of which have drawn criticism from Trump.
The US is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner after China, importing a range of goods including vehicles, iron and steel products, wine and citrus fruit. Mercedes-Benz South Africa is among the country’s top automotive exporters to the US.
However, some South African lawmakers have criticised the government’s response. The Democratic Alliance, the official opposition, dismissed the Export Support Desk initiative as “laughable,” calling for more decisive action to protect jobs and secure market access.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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