South African President Ramaphosa has expressed his opposition to Trump's 30%

South African President Ramaphosa has expressed his opposition to Trump's 30% tariff on South Africa.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his opposition to the 30% tariff on South African imports proposed by US President Donald Trump. The decision to impose these tariffs was announced by Trump on July 7, 2025, and is set to take effect from August 1, 2025. South Africa is the sole African country targeted in this latest tariff move.

In a letter addressed to President Ramaphosa, Trump justified the tariffs by claiming that South Africa's trade relationship with the US has been non-reciprocal. He believes that these measures will protect American businesses, enhance domestic manufacturing, and create additional employment opportunities in the United States.

Ramaphosa, however, has criticized the unilateral nature of the decision, pointing out that over 50% of South Africa's imports from the US are already duty-free, with an average tariff of only 7.6% on the remaining goods. He emphasized that South Africa would persist with diplomatic efforts to establish a more equitable and mutually advantageous trade relationship with the US.

Trump's letter also suggests that the tariff rates could be adjusted based on the evolving relationship between the two countries. This move is likely to have significant implications for South Africa's economy, as the US is the nation's second-largest trading partner. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions and negotiations surrounding global trade policies and their impact on international relations.