JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa held a phone conversation with United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning, as Washington reimposed steep tariffs on South African imports, triggering concern among exporters and government officials.
The call came ahead of the 30% tariff taking effect yesterday, Thursday, 7 August. South Africa has now been added to a list of countries facing new US import duties, following an executive order signed by Trump last week. The order raised US tariffs from 10% to between 15% and 41% across a number of sectors.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the call, noting that both leaders agreed to continue engagement while trade teams from both countries pursue technical-level negotiations.
During a cabinet briefing, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the call was meant to support South Africa’s efforts to keep trade channels open. She clarified that no agreements were reached during the discussion, as the specifics remain under negotiation by trade officials.
South Africa’s automotive and agricultural industries are expected to bear the brunt of the new tariffs. Already, one local company has reported losses amounting to R750 million in contracts over the weekend.
Cabinet has reportedly approved short-term support measures to protect local businesses, preserve production capacity, and avoid job losses.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa wrote that the US tariff decision reflected the need for South Africa to adapt quickly to shifting global trade dynamics. He warned against complacency and called for resilience in the face of rising trade protectionism.
The rand slipped to a three-month low after Trump’s announcement and could face further pressure if, as Trump hinted, an additional 10% tariff is applied to BRICS countries or their trade partners.
Questions have also arisen over the role of special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas. Ntshavheni declined to provide further detail on his activities, amid criticism that Jonas has yet to visit Washington since his appointment. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola previously confirmed that Jonas had not made the trip, but remained engaged from within the country.
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