South Africa is scrambling to protect its economy after USA’s President Donald Trump signed sweeping tariff measures targeting the country's key exports, potentially putting 100 000 jobs at risk, reported Reuters on 1 August.
The executive order signed Thursday (31 July) imposes import duties on dozens of nations including South Africa, with implementation set for next week. This escalation is part of Trump's broader push to reshape global trade dynamics in America's favour.
President Cyril Ramaphosa maintained a measured response Friday, emphasising South Africa's commitment to diplomatic solutions. "All channels of communication remain open to engage with the USA, and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the USA," he said.
The government is rushing to finalise emergency support for affected exporters, with the President promising details would be announced soon.
The timing couldn't be worse. The USA is South Africa's second-largest trading partner after China, importing everything from Mercedes-Benz vehicles and steel to wine and citrus fruits.
The automotive sector faces particular vulnerability. Industry representatives are calling it a "socio-economic crisis in the making," with the Reserve Bank warning of massive job losses in agriculture and manufacturing.
"If one considers that access to the USA was through AGOA, which was tariff-free, increasing tariffs to 30% effectively nullifies that market," explained SEIFSA CEO Tafadzwa Chibanguza, referencing the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa notes that $1.8 billion in exports now hangs in the balance.
Opposition parties have criticised the government's response, with the Democratic Alliance dismissing the proposed support measures as inadequate for addressing the scale of the crisis.
Motorists travelling over the Easter period can expect heavy traffic across South Africa’s road network, with authorities warning that routes to Limpopo will come under particular pressure as thousands of pilgrims make their way to Moria.
Slovakia has introduced temporary measures designed to prevent diesel shortages, giving service stations new flexibility to limit how much fuel customers can buy and to adjust pump prices for vehicles registered outside the country.
Zimi and Zero Carbon Holdings (CHARGE Holdings) are proud to announce a three-year agreement to support the rollout of electric freight operations along South Africa’s N3 corridor.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
Motorists travelling over the Easter period can expect heavy traffic across South Africa’s road network, with authorities warning that routes to Limpopo will come under particular pressure as thousands of pilgrims make their way to Moria.
Slovakia has introduced temporary measures designed to prevent diesel shortages, giving service stations new flexibility to limit how much fuel customers can buy and to adjust pump prices for vehicles registered outside the country.
Foton has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicle production at its manufacturing facility in Gqeberha, strengthening South Africa’s role in the company’s global manufacturing and export strategy.
