President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is exploring new trade opportunities in Africa and Asia as it continues negotiations with the United States over a looming 30% tariff on exports.
The U.S., South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, plans to impose the tariff from August 7, a move Pretoria warns could result in the loss of 100,000 jobs at a time when the country is already battling an unemployment rate above 30%.
The tariff, the highest imposed on any country in sub-Saharan Africa, has worsened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria, driven by disagreements over both domestic and international policy.
South Africa’s search for alternative markets signals a potential realignment of trade partnerships as it looks to cushion the economic fallout.
