Ramaphosa Slams Us Tariffs On South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has voiced his concerns over the United States decision to impose steep tariffs on South African imports , calling the move 'worrying' and signalling a shift in South Africas approach to trade negotiations.

The South African Presidency issued a statement expressing disappointment over the new 30 tariff, which has been levied as part of a broader trade shake-up announced by US President Donald Trump. The statement stressed that while South Africa remains committed to fair and mutually beneficial trade relations, unilateral tariffs create obstacles and hinder the potential for prosperity.

In a controversial move, Trump unveiled a baseline 10 tariff on all US imports, with 60 countries, including South Africa, facing even higher rates. Countries with substantial trade imbalances with the US were singled out for what Trump termed 'punitive' tariffs, including South Africa, which had allegedly imposed 60 tariffs on American goods.

Trump, known for his aggressive stance on trade, softened his rhetoric by announcing that the US would halve the proposed tariffs, but the move still rattled markets and sparked widespread concern among South African businesses.

Analysts have pointed to the tariff decision, coupled with growing political instability due to the potential exit of the Democratic Alliance from the coalition government, as major threats to South Africas economic future.