Ramaphosa Urges Resilience as U.S. Tariffs Threaten South African Exporters

“Complacency Will Not Serve Us,” Ramaphosa Tells the Nation

In a direct message to citizens on Monday, August 4, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the serious challenges posed by the United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African goods. Speaking candidly about the country’s trade future, Ramaphosa urged swift adaptation and strategic diversification in response to what he called “increasingly turbulent headwinds in international trade.”

“Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries,” Ramaphosa stated, as published by the South African Presidency. He emphasized the risk to major sectors such as agriculture, automotive, and textiles, which have historically benefited from duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The President noted that South African exports support—not compete with—U.S. industries, citing counter-seasonal citrus exports as one example that helps stabilize prices for American consumers. He also reminded the public that South Africa remains the largest African investor in the United States, with 22 domestic companies involved in industries like pharmaceuticals, mining, and food production.

To combat the looming economic impact, Ramaphosa confirmed the creation of an Export Support Desk and pledged to roll out a support package for affected exporters and workers. The country also plans to deepen intra-African trade and expand participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Background: Reciprocal Tariffs and Ongoing U.S. Engagement

President Ramaphosa had already expressed concern days earlier on August 1, in a formal statement, responding to the U.S. announcement. The 30% tariff, set to begin after August 8, affects a broad list of countries, with South Africa among those impacted. Exceptions remain in place for items such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and certain critical minerals.

South Africa submitted a Framework Deal to the U.S. to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. The government emphasized that all diplomatic channels remain open and that negotiators are standing by to engage further with U.S. officials.

Ramaphosa stressed that U.S.-South Africa trade relations have always been complementary and not adversarial. Many of South Africa’s exports serve as essential inputs for American industries and should not be viewed as threats to domestic production.

Implementation Timeline and Technical Clarifications

The U.S. Executive Order clarified that goods already in transit before the 12:01 a.m. EDT deadline—seven days after August 1—and entered into U.S. markets by October 5, 2025, will remain subject to previous duties under Executive Order 14257.

Government departments, including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), are expected to publish updates regarding the support package and advisory services through the Export Support Desk.

What’s Next

In the months ahead, South Africa will expand trade missions into new global markets, strengthen regional value chains, and implement its National Exporter Development Programme. The President underscored that while the current situation is challenging, it also presents an opportunity to reshape the country’s trade future and reduce reliance on any single partner.

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