Wednesday, 15 Oct 2025
  • Calculators
  • My Feed
  • My Interests
  • My Saves
SUBSCRIBE
gauteng-news-logo-2025 gauteng-news-logo-2025
  • Lifestyle
  • Entertainment
    Entertainment
    Movie reviews, TV scoops, viral moments — your daily dose of fun and pop culture.
    Show More
    Top News
    How to Spy on your Kid's Phone To Monitor Usage and Ensure Safety
    How to Spy on your Kid’s Phone To Monitor Usage and Ensure Safety
    November 14, 2024
    Teazy Launches Golden Kiss on November 29th: Find Limited Cans at Checkers Liquor Stores
    Teazy Launches Golden Kiss on November 29th: Find Limited Cans at Checkers Liquor Stores
    November 25, 2024
    Chris Brown Concert Guide: Transport, Parking, and Tips for This Weekend
    Chris Brown Concert: The Ultimate Guide – Transport, Parking, and Tips for This Weekend
    December 13, 2024
    Latest News
    Johannesburg Pride 2025: Tickets, Dates & Event Info
    October 15, 2025
    Celebrity News: Jojo Robinson Undergoes Surgery to Reduce ‘Thunder Thighs’
    October 15, 2025
    Brazil Fest 2025: Where Culture Meets Car Culture
    October 15, 2025
    Celebrity News: SARS Auctions MaMkhize’s Lambo, Art, and Luxury Items
    October 14, 2025
  • Sports
    Sports
    Comprehensive coverage of all your favourite sports — from football to athletics.
    Show More
    Top News
    africa cup of nations semi finals
    Africa Cup of Nations: AFCON 2024 Semifinals Fixtures to Watch
    February 7, 2024
    kaizer chiefs news: bruce bvuma
    Latest Kaizer Chiefs News: Chiefs Keeper Bruce Bvuma Unfazed by Contract Situation
    February 8, 2024
    Soweto Derby
    The Soweto Derby – The Ultimate Soccer Showdown
    November 9, 2023
    Latest News
    SAFA Ends Le Coq Sportif Deal as Adidas Teases Bafana Bafana Comeback
    October 15, 2025
    24 Years Later: 10 Shocking Facts from Bafana Bafana’s Last World Cup Qualification
    October 15, 2025
    Kaizer Chiefs Strengthen Squad for Crucial Confederation Cup Clash
    October 15, 2025
    Bafana Bafana Survived the Mokoena Saga — But What About the Next Time?
    October 15, 2025
  • Finance
    Finance
    Smart money moves, personal finance tips, and SA’s financial pulse.
    Show More
    Top News
    National Minimum Wage
    Unpacking The Impact Of the National Minimum Wage Increase In 2024
    February 7, 2024
    how to register your car on bolt
    Super Quick Guide on How to Register Your Car on Bolt or Uber in 2024
    February 29, 2024
    Capitec Bank
    How To Download the Capitec App in 2024
    March 5, 2024
    Latest News
    Warning: Taxi Operators Hijacking Motorists in Extortion Scheme
    October 15, 2025
    Ex-Bank Worker Accused of Using Client Info for Fake Loan Applications
    September 25, 2025
    Repo Rate Remains Unchanged, Meeting Economist Expectations
    September 19, 2025
    Repo Rate Cut: A Welcome Move Due to Stable Rand and Improved Economic Outlook
    September 8, 2025
  • Politics
    Politics
    Stay informed with the latest political news and updates from South Africa and around the globe. This category dives deep into government policies, elections, political…
    Show More
    Top News
    The Political Parties of South Africa: A Guide for the Upcoming Elections
    The Political Parties of South Africa: A Guide for the Upcoming Elections
    February 20, 2024
    South African Political Rallies
    South African Political Rallies: Parties, Issues, and Election Hype
    February 27, 2024
    African National Congress
    African National Congress (ANC): From Liberation Movement to Governing Party in South Africa
    February 16, 2024
    Latest News
    Good-Bosa-Rise Mzansi Merger: What It Means for SA’s 2026 Coalition Politics
    October 6, 2025
    2026 Local Government Elections: IEC Registers 13 New Political Parties in Just One Month
    August 27, 2025
    Local Government Elections Set to Take Place Between November 2026 and January 2027
    August 27, 2025
    DA Claims US Rejected Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas
    July 16, 2025
  • Motoring
    Motoring
    Explore everything about cars in this dedicated category! From the latest vehicle launches and expert reviews to maintenance tips, industry news, and car-buying advice, we’ve…
    Show More
    Top News
    2025 GWM Haval Jolion Lux Review Features, Performance, and Value
    2025 GWM Haval Jolion Lux Review: Features, Performance, and Value
    January 16, 2025
    Facelifted BMW iX Revealed: Sleeker Design, More Range & New M-Performance Model
    Facelifted BMW iX Revealed: Sleeker Design, More Range & New M-Performance Model
    January 30, 2025
    Nissan Magnite’s Price vs. Value: Is the Top-End Model Worth It
    Nissan Magnite’s Price vs. Value: Is the Top-End Model Worth It?
    February 17, 2025
    Latest News
    Warning: Taxi Operators Hijacking Motorists in Extortion Scheme
    October 15, 2025
    South Africans Turning Away from Uber Amid Growing Safety and Pricing Concerns
    October 14, 2025
    Renault Kwid Price Drop Makes It South Africa’s Cheapest Car
    October 13, 2025
    November 2025 Petrol Price Drop: Major Fuel Cost Relief Ahead
    October 13, 2025
  • Tech
    Tech
    Gadgets, apps, trends, and tips — decoding tech for the everyday reader.
    Show More
    Top News
    Capitec Bank
    How To Download the Capitec App in 2024
    March 5, 2024
    AI Expo Africa
    AI Expo Africa: A Brilliant Technological Showcase
    November 3, 2023
    How AI is Reshaping Jobs by 2025
    Navigating the Future of Work: How AI is Reshaping Jobs by 2025
    March 5, 2024
    Latest News
    WhatsApp to Introduce Ads: What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Change
    June 20, 2025
    Donald Trump Unveils New Gold Smartphone ‘Made Entirely in the US’
    June 18, 2025
    Why Does Mobile Data Expire in South Africa? MPs Demand Answers from Network Providers
    June 17, 2025
    South Africans Should Say Goodbye to Bank Cards: Embrace Virtual Cards and Tap-to-Pay Wallets
    June 10, 2025
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Weather
  • Tenders
  • Zodiac Signs
  • Jobs
  • Government Jobs
  • Private Sector Jobs
  • Bursary
  • Internships
  • NSFAS
  • Lotto
  • Daily Lotto
  • Lottery
  • Lotto Plus 1
  • Lotto Plus 2
  • Lotto Tools
Breaking News
“Mkhwanazi Lied To South Africa!” Slams Sibiya In Ad Hoc Committee Hearing
Ramaphosa Admits to Knowing Alleged Tembisa Hospital Corruption Boss
Thembisa News: 34-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed by Partner in Front of 4 Year Old Son
Bafana Bafana Book Ticket to 2026 World Cup After 16-Year Wait
Joburg Power Outage: 6-Hour Cut This Week, 8-Hour Next Week
Font ResizerAa
Gauteng.NewsGauteng.News
Search
  • Home
  • Lifestyle
    • Attractions & Experiences
    • Leisure
    • Gauteng Eats
    • GP Loves Kids
  • Motoring
  • Finance
    • Currency Conversion
  • Jobs
    • Government Jobs
    • Private Sector Jobs
  • Sports
    • Soccer
    • Rugby
    • Netball
    • Cricket
  • Entertainment
  • Politics
    • Local Politics
    • International Politics
  • Tech
  • Grants
    • SASSA
    • NSFAS
    • UIF
    • Business Grants
  • Lotto
    • Daily Lotto
    • Lotto Plus 1
    • Lotto Plus 2
    • Powerball
  • Weather
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2025 Gauteng.News . All Rights Reserved.

Site Navigation: Home » Breaking News

Breaking NewsInternational PoliticsNewsPolitics

Trump Announces 30% Tariff on South African Goods Starting August 2025

Last updated: July 8, 2025 12:43 pm
Divinity Mokgwatshane
739 Views
5 Min Read
Share
Trump Announces 30% Tariff on South African Goods Starting August 2025
BusinessLIVE
SHARE

How a 90‑Day Reprieve Became a 30 % Wall on SA Exports—And What Happens Before 1 August.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 30% tariff on all South African goods entering the United States, starting 1 August 2025. The decision, shared in a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa and posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, is a dramatic shift in the trade relationship between the two countries. With just weeks to go before implementation, South African exporters are bracing themselves for the turbulence.

Contents
  • At a glance
  • The road from “Liberation Day” to D‑Day
  • Why 30 %? The deficit math that isn’t a tariff table
  • Sectors in the firing line
  • Market mood: Rand shrugs (for now)
  • Ramaphosa hits back—and asks for time
  • What exporters can do—today
  • Countdown to 1 August: three scenarios

At a glance

WhatWhenWhy it matters
30 % “reciprocal” tariff on all SA goods entering the US1 Aug 2025Threatens ≈ R270 bn in annual exports, puts ~35 000 citrus‑industry jobs at risk and could up‑end AGOA preferences.
OriginA letter posted 7 Jul 2025 on Donald Trump’s Truth Social accountTrump argues SA’s –60 % goods‑trade gap “unfair” and says building plants in the US is tariff‑free.
Negotiation window8 – 31 July 2025Pause on the global 10 % tariff ends 9 Jul; SA has three weeks to cut a deal.

The road from “Liberation Day” to D‑Day

  • April 2025 – “Liberation Day” speech: Trump unveils blanket 10 % tariff plus country‑specific hikes, citing “decades of one‑way trade.”
  • 9 Apr – 7 Jul: A 90‑day freeze lets partners negotiate. The 10 % blanket duty stays in force.
  • 7 Jul: Letters go out—30 % for SA, 25 % for Japan & South Korea.
  • 1 Aug: New rates bite unless a deal or White House waiver lands in time.

Why 30 %? The deficit math that isn’t a tariff table

Trump’s team used goods trade only, ignoring services, to claim a –60 % gap:

  • US imports from SA (2024): $14.8 bn
  • US exports to SA (2024): $5.8 bn
  • Deficit: –$8.9 bn (≈ –60.6 %)

South African officials counter that 77 % of US goods already enter duty‑free and average tariffs on the rest are below 8 %.


Sectors in the firing line

Sector2024 export value to USRisk snapshot
Vehicles & parts≈ R55 bnSA OEMs may shift assembly lines or face margin squeeze.
Minerals (PGMs, gold, iron ore)≈ R52 bnPrice‑sensitive metals could lose share to Canadian‑ or Australian‑sourced supply.
Agriculture (citrus, nuts, wine)≈ R38 bnGrowers warn of 35 000 job losses in citrus alone.
Textiles & Apparel≈ R11 bnThin margins + duty shock = likely factory closures.

Market mood: Rand shrugs (for now)

The currency clawed back early losses to trade at R17.76/$ on 8 July as traders bet diplomacy might trim the duty. Equity analysts, however, flag a “stagflationary” risk should exporters pass through costs locally.


Ramaphosa hits back—and asks for time

In an 8 July statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa called the tariff “a contested interpretation of trade data” and said SA will “continue diplomatic efforts toward a mutually beneficial outcome.” Negotiators want either an extension beyond 1 August or a lower ceiling of 10 %.

Trade Minister Parks Tau warned that the hike “effectively nullifies AGOA” unless renegotiated in parallel.


What exporters can do—today

  1. Scenario‑cost models: Stress‑test cashflow at 15 %, 30 % and 40 % duty levels.
  2. Supply‑chain rerouting: Explore third‑country assembly (e.g., Mexico) to re‑qualify under USMCA rules.
  3. Lobby in Washington: Use US partners, state governors and sector lobbies to highlight US job losses if SA supply dries up.
  4. Diversify sales: India and ASEAN markets have already approached SA macadamia growers.

Countdown to 1 August: three scenarios

Scenario (probability)OutcomeWinnersLosers
Mini‑deal (50 %)Tariff cut to 10 – 15 %, renewable annually.Autos and agriculture keep US shelf space.US consumers face modest price rises.
Full tariff (40 %)30 % duty sticks.US producers of substitute goods.SA exporters; US importers reliant on SA minerals.
Grand bargain (10 %)Autos, and agriculture keep US shelf space.Both sides tout “win‑win.”Hard‑line protectionists in DC.

Also read: Trump Urges ANC to Denounce ‘Kill the Boer’ Remarks, Says FF Plus Leader

TAGGED:30% tariff on South African goodsAGOAAGOA at riskAugust 2025 tariffsCyril RamaphosaDonald TrumpEconomyExportsGauteng economyimpact on South African exportsImport DutiesRamaphosa responseSA‑US trade warSouth AfricaTariffsTradeTrump tariff South AfricaUnited StatesUS‑SA trade deficit
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Eskom Load Reduction Schedule for Gauteng: Power Cuts This Week Eskom Load Reduction Schedule for Gauteng: Power Cuts This Week
Next Article Today's weather Today’s Weather: Cold, Foggy Mornings & Drizzle
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Gauteng Events

Johannesburg Pride 2025: Tickets, Dates & Event Info

Johannesburg Pride 2025: Tickets, Dates & Event Info

October 15, 2025
Brazil Fest 2025: Where Culture Meets Car Culture

Brazil Fest 2025: Where Culture Meets Car Culture

October 15, 2025
Travis Scott Rocks Johannesburg: Fans Rave Despite Delays

Travis Scott Rocks Johannesburg: Fans Rave Despite Delays

October 13, 2025
Dvsn to Headline Once Upon a Time in Joburg

Dvsn to Headline Once Upon a Time in Joburg

October 10, 2025
Alberton Gears Up for 2025 PPS Road Race on November 9

Alberton Gears Up for 2025 PPS Road Race on November 9

October 8, 2025
- Advertisement -
Ad image

Your Trusted Source for Accurate and Timely Updates!

Our commitment to accuracy, impartiality, and delivering breaking news as it happens has earned us the trust of a vast audience. Stay ahead with real-time updates on the latest events, trends.
FacebookLike
XFollow

You Might Also Like

Motorists Warned of Rock-Throwing Incidents on N4 Near Brits and Rustenburg
News

Motorists Warned of Rock-Throwing Incidents on N4 Near Brits and Rustenburg

June 27, 2025
South Africa Braces for Hottest Summer on Record: Health Risks and Expert Tips to Stay Cool
GuideHealthNews

South Africa Braces for Hottest Summer on Record: Health Risks and Expert Tips to Stay Cool

December 13, 2024
Gauteng Committee Warns of Safety Risks Due to EMPD Suspensions, Urges Urgent Action
News

Gauteng Committee Warns of Safety Risks Due to EMPD Suspensions, Urges Urgent Action

May 7, 2025
Flash Floods Hit Johannesburg After Severe Thunderstorms and Weather Warning
NewsFeatured

Flash Floods Hit Johannesburg After Severe Thunderstorms and Weather Warning

March 12, 2025
gauteng-news-logo-2025 gauteng-news-logo-2025

About US

Stay informed on the news impacting Gauteng and South Africa. Gauteng.News covers politics, finance, lifestyle, events, and essential updates.

Your reliable source for 24/7 news in Gauteng.

About
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsored Posts
  • Contact us
Useful Tools
  • PAYE & UIF Calculator
  • Rent vs Buying Calculator
  • Grocery Calculator
  • Car Affordability Calculator
  • Salary Estimator Calculator
  • Fuel Cost Calculator
  • Salary Calculator
  • Inflation Calculator
© 2025 Gauteng.News
All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?