PRETORIA – South Africa said Monday it poses “no trade threat” to the U.S. economy or national security, rejecting Washington’s justification for imposing 30% tariffs on South African imports starting August 8.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry emphasized that South Africa’s exports complement, rather than compete with, U.S. products—particularly through counter-seasonal agricultural goods and essential industrial inputs. It criticized extractive trade models and reiterated its commitment to value addition and industrialization, not relationships that mimic colonial-era practices.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also warned that global trade is entering a turbulent phase and urged resilience. He stressed that South Africa remains committed to engagement with the U.S., noting that more than 600 American firms operate in South Africa and South African companies also invest in the U.S., supporting American jobs.
