South Africa plans to propose an advantageous trade agreement with the U.S. in an attempt to prevent a 30% tariff.
South Africa has presented a revised trade-framework deal to the US in a bid to avoid the imposition of 30% tariffs on some of its exports. The tariffs, which took effect on August 7, 2025, have had a significant impact on the country's exports, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors, threatening around 30,000 jobs [1][2][3].
The new offer, approved by the South African cabinet and submitted for negotiations in mid-August 2025 [1][5], is described as "broad, generous and ambitious" by Trade Minister Parks Tau. The proposal includes finalized measures to increase US imports of specific products, such as poultry, blueberries, and pork [2].
Minister Tau emphasized that South Africa's exports do not pose a threat to US industries and highlighted the complementary nature of the trade relationship [2][3]. The tariffs were imposed as part of former President Donald Trump's trade policies to reshape trade relationships, with South Africa being among four countries facing particularly high duties [1][3].
The new offer addresses issues raised by the US in its 2025 National Trade Estimates Report [5]. However, political and domestic policy challenges, such as South Africa's race policies, may influence US tariff decisions [3].
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that details of the offer will be made public at a later date [4]. The South African economy is currently struggling with 33.2% unemployment [6].
It is important to note that South African exports make up only 0.25% of total US imports [7]. The tariffs imposed by Washington are the highest in sub-Saharan Africa [7]. South Africa is the third-largest trading partner of the US, following the European Union and China [7].
For detailed, up-to-date information, consult news coverage from Bloomberg, Semafor, South African government releases, and reputable economic analyses dated August 2025. You may also watch relevant press briefings, such as the SABC News video discussing the tariffs and negotiations [4]. Tracking statements by Minister Parks Tau and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen will provide authoritative insights into the evolving negotiation.
References:
- Bloomberg: South Africa to Present Revised Trade Offer to US
- Semafor: South Africa Offers to Increase US Imports in Bid to Avoid Tariffs
- South African Government Release: South Africa Submits Revised Trade Offer to US
- SABC News: South Africa Faces Tariffs as US-South Africa Trade Talks Continue
- US Trade Representative: 2025 National Trade Estimates Report
- Statista: South Africa Unemployment Rate
- World Bank: South Africa-US Trade
In light of the employment threats posed by tariffs in the automotive and agricultural sectors, South Africa's business sector is attempting to mitigate the impact through a revised trade offer, which includes increasing imports of specific products such as poultry, blueberries, and pork in the finance aspect. The trade minister, Parks Tau, emphasizes that South Africa's trade with the US is complementary and its exports do not pose a threat to US industries.
