In light of the punishing tariffs proposed by United States President Donald Trump on exports from South Africa to America, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) has announced a set of interventions to protect jobs, preserve market access in the United States, and promote export diversification to alternate markets in Africa, Asia, the European Union (EU), Latin America, and other strategic partners.
Key amongst the interventions is the establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike. It will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African embassies and High Commissions abroad.
“This tariff hike poses a direct threat to our export capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, steel, and chemicals, among others. As the government, we are fully committed to supporting our exporters through this challenging time. We are working with urgency and resolve to implement real, practical interventions that defend jobs and position South Africa competitively in a shifting global landscape,” a spokesman said.
“The stakes are high, and we must respond decisively to ensure our export industries remain resilient, competitive, and globally integrated into diversified markets.
“Exporters are encouraged to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and also to visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support mechanisms. The dtic remains steadfast in its mission to assist local producers and safeguard South Africa’s trade interests amid growing global uncertainty.”
The contact details of the Export Support Desk are as follows:
Exporters to the United States and market enquiries related to the Americas:
Region and officials
Americas
Ms. Nthatisi Moraloge NMoraloge@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-1125
Mr. Karabo Modimokwane KModimokwane@thedtc.gov.za (012) 394-1164
Market enquiries related to other markets:
Africa
Ms. Zamaswazi Nkosi ZPNkosi@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-3533
Mr. Mncedisi Madela MMadela@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-5659
Ms. Sithembile Shongwe SLShongwe@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-5507
Ms. Sibongimpilo Mashatola SMashatola@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-5507
ASEAN and Asia
Ms. Meresina Ranphabana MRanphabana@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-5918
Ms. Mundzhedzi Mahosi MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-5645
Ms. Ledile Bambo LBambo@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-1997
Mr. Kenneth Malatsi MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-1061
Europe
Ms. Hloniphile Nkiwane HNkiwane@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-3496
Mr. Seth Pule SPule@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-3087
Middle East
Mr. Waseem Rinquest WRinquest@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-5863
Ms. Mpho Sebatana MSebatana@thedtic.gov.za (012) 394-3415