South Africa Seeks New Markets, Finalizes Support Package as 30% US Tariffs Take Effect; Ramaphosa and Trump Hold Talks

South Africa is responding to the United States' imposition of a 30% tariff on a range of South African exports, the steepest levy imposed on any sub-Saharan African country. The tariffs took effect on August 7, 2025. In anticipation of the impact, South Africa's government has been finalizing a comprehensive support package aimed at shielding businesses most affected by the tariffs. Additionally, South Africa is actively seeking new markets to offset the potential decline in exports to the US. On August 6, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation to discuss the tariffs and ongoing trade relations. Both leaders agreed that their trade teams would continue talks to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Despite the tariffs, South Africa has indicated it will maintain its transformative economic agenda and will not compromise it to secure a trade agreement with the US, which remains its third-largest economic partner.