On 2 April 2025, the President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump, issued an executive order imposing an additional 10% import duty on nearly all imports into the USA. This duty will take effect at 00h01 Eastern Daylight Time (06h01 South African Standard Time) on 5 April 2025. This duty is in addition to any other applicable duties or tariffs.
For imports originating in South Africa, this duty will increase to 30% at 00h01 Eastern Daylight Time (06h01 South African Standard Time) on 9 April 2025. All other duties and tariffs will also still apply. View a list of other countries facing higher tariffs in
Annex I.
These duties will not apply to, amongst other things, goods listed in
Annex II of the executive order. Exempted items include certain steel and aluminium products that are subject to additional tariffs in terms of section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, automobile and automobile parts that are subject to additional tariffs in terms of section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, and energy and energy products.
The executive order can be viewed
here.
Businesses and stakeholders affected by these tariff increases should closely monitor further developments and the implementation of the executive order.
This update is not intended to, and does not, constitute legal advice, and may not be relied upon. For further information or tailored advice, please contact Stephen Meltzer,
Meluleki Nzimande,
Matthew Pool, or your usual Webber Wentzel contact.
