On 7 July 2025, President Donald Trump of the United States of America (USA) announced, in a letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, that a tariff rate of 30% "on any and all South African products sent into the United States" will be imposed from 1 August 2025.
Until that date, South African goods remain subject to the USA's 10% baseline tariff rate, which President Trump has extended through an
executive order until 12h01 Eastern Daylight Time (18h01 South African Standard Time) on 1 August 2025. According to President Trump's letter, the proposed 30% tariff on South African imports will be charged "separate[ly]" from those imposed by the USA on goods from specific sectors, such as the automotive, steel, and aluminium industries.
The original letter, posted by President Trump on social media, can be viewed
here. Although President Trump's letter refers to "any and all South African products sent to the United States", our view is that the exemptions which applied when reciprocal tariffs first took effect on
5 April 2025 will continue to apply going forward.
President Trump also
indicated on social media that "Any Country aligning itself with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff". It is not clear what is meant by this.
Official measures in the USA have not yet been issued to implement the proposed 30% reciprocal tariff on South African imports.
What this means for your business:
- On 1 August 2025, South African goods will be subject to a 30% tariff rate.
- Until 1 August 2025, South African goods continue to be subject to a 10% baseline tariff rate.
- South Africa's imports of automobiles and automobile parts continue to be subject to a 25% sectoral tariff rate.
- South African imports of steel and aluminium continue to be subject to a 50% sectoral tariff rate.
- Businesses should continue to closely monitor developments in Washington and adjust their decisions accordingly.
We are closely monitoring developments and will keep you informed of any further changes.
