The Presidency has noted the new 30% tariff imposed on South African exports to the United States.
This comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on some of its trading partners, including China, the European Union, Australia and Brazil.
The Presidency said in a statement that it had noted with concern the newly imposed tariffs on South Africa, saying the reciprocal tariffs serve as a “barrier to trade”.
“Whilst South Africa remains committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity,” the Presidency said.
“The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty.” – SAnews.gov.za
