South Africa ‘notes with concern’ Trump’s reciprocal tariffs

ISTANBUL

South Africa on Thursday expressed “concern” over the recently announced reciprocal tariffs by US President Donald Trump, according to an official statement by the country's presidency.

Emphasizing South Africa’s commitment to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the US, the statement said: “Unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity.”

The statement also highlighted the “urgency” of negotiating a new, mutually beneficial trade deal with the US as an “essential step” to ensure long-term trade certainty.

Trump announced sweeping tariffs on Wednesday evening, ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from dozens of countries and economic regions, including South Africa.

Imports from South Africa will face a 30% surcharge, while other countries, including Türkiye, the UK, Brazil, Australia, the UAE, New Zealand, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, will see a 10% reciprocal tariff.

The European Union will face a 20% tariff, while other nations will be subject to reciprocal tariffs as follows: China 34%, Vietnam 46%, Taiwan 32%, Japan 24%, India 26%, South Korea 25%, Thailand 36%, Switzerland 31%, Indonesia 32%, Malaysia 24%, Cambodia 49%, Bangladesh 30%, and Israel 17%.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned nations against retaliating, warning that any countermeasures could lead to even higher US tariff rates.

Analysts expect many of the countries targeted by these reciprocal tariffs to retaliate, with risk perception remaining high amid growing concerns over an escalating trade war.