The diplomatic war between South Africa and the USA that erupted shortly after the re-election of President Donald Trump came to a head on 1 August after Washington slapped South Africa with a 30% trade tariff on all goods destined for the USA.
Critics argue the tariffs are part of a broader pattern of political interference. Trump is not only using trade to punish governments that defy his ideological worldview but also to influence domestic politics abroad. His administration’s approach to South Africa mirrors its posture toward Brazil, where he has openly backed Jair Bolsonaro and amplified far-right narratives aimed at destabilising the Lula government.
South Africa caught in Trump’s foreign agenda
Domestically, the USA has been putting relentless pressure on South Africa to revoke the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment program and the Land Expropriation Act.
These are government-supported policies seeking to address historical economic inequalities created by the previous apartheid government.
Diplomatic relations, too, have grown increasingly tense following the Trump administration's launch of 'Mission South Africa', also known as the White South Africa refugee program.
The program offers asylum to white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, on the grounds that they face "unjust racial discrimination." The government of South Africa has rejected this claim.
As Washington increases diplomatic and political pressure on South Africa, the newly imposed 30% trade tariff is intensifying the strain on the administration in Pretoria.
In a diplomatic tone seeking to open negotiations with Washington, D.C., President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, issued a statement on 1 August seeking to downplay the impact of the tariffs.
Magwenya said the government had submitted a Framework Deal to US officials aimed at strengthening mutually beneficial trade and investment ties.
He added that the government is finalising a support package to assist affected companies, producers, and workers.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, also urged calm, describing the tariffs as “provocative” but cautioning against retaliation given the broader geopolitical landscape.
“Our exports do not compete with US producers,” Lamola said. “On the contrary, they support America’s industrial base.”
Trade data from the Office of the US Trade Representative shows the US goods trade deficit with South Africa reached $8.8 billion in 2024, up 29% from the previous year.
At home, the economic repercussions are already causing alarm. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber warned the tariffs could devastate South Africa’s struggling automotive sector, one of its biggest employers.
“The Eastern Cape economy is likely to be the most adversely affected,” the Chamber said in a statement. “OEMs in the province support more than 100,000 direct jobs, and over 500,000 across the supply chain. These tariffs threaten the viability of that entire ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, academic voices have called for a recalibration of Pretoria’s foreign policy. Professor Kedibone Phago of North West University urged the government to balance its Western ties with stronger integration across BRICS and African markets.
“This moment underscores the importance of trade diversification through frameworks like the AfCFTA,” Phago told The New Arab. He added that Trump's renewed hostility, including recent legislative efforts targeting ANC leadership, signals a need for vigilance in bilateral relations.
Still, the presidency struck an optimistic tone. “South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests,” spokesperson Magwenya said. “We’re intensifying our diversification strategy to build resilience and support exporters in accessing new markets.”