Tuesday 9 July 2025, mark the day in your calendar as the beginning of the Trump tariff disaster. Back in April of this year, US President Donald Trump announced 30% ‘punitive reciprocal trade tariffs’ with South Africa.
Amid growing political tensions between South Africa and the US, many believed this would deal a crippling blow to the economy. Then, all of a sudden, the Trump tariff disaster was averted when he hit a ‘90-day pause.’
TRUMP TARIFF DISASTER
Nevertheless, the pause comes to an end in 14 days’ time, on Tuesday 9 July 2025, reports BusinessTech. In the intervening weeks, South Africa has sent the President and other high-ranking officials to rectify tensions. But time is quickly running out.
However, Busi Mavuso of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) says an important meeting is taking place this week in Washington. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau is meeting with US officials to hopefully dodge Trump tariff disaster once and for all, and secure an economic future for the country.
NO AGREEMENT ON TRADE
Of course, South Africa tabled several trade proposals to the US when President Ramaphosa last visited Washington. This included mineral access and potential US liquified natural gas acquisitions, amongst others. However, zero progress has been made on the discussions since.
Interestingly, it’s not South Africa that’s dragging its heels but rather the US that has not given formal feedback on the proposals. Essentially, it sounds like the US is ghosting us. And the clock is ticking. Minister Tau is the one entrusted with breaking the impasse this week.
CRITICAL MINERALS FOR THE US
Mavuso says: “Africa remains a critical source of minerals essential to the American economy. And the continent’s growing population positions Africa as a key long-term manufacturing hub, too. Therefore, a Trump tariff disaster risks ceding this strategic advantage to China,” said Mavuso.
As such, Minister Tau will either strive for an extension or a full tariff freeze this week. Any signed trade deals will go a long way to solidifying diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US. And the consequences of failure may mean the potential loss of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is a key part of the negotiations.
CAN SOUTH AFRICA AVERT A TRUMP TARIFF DISASTER?
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