Government Vows to Keep US Markets Open

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has reaffirmed government’s commitment to keeping American markets open for South African goods, despite the recent imposition of a 30% unilateral tariff by the United States (US) on local exports.

Speaking in Pretoria alongside Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Tau said South Africa was “pulling out all the stops” to secure continued access while also accelerating efforts to diversify export markets.

“We will leverage all our existing partnerships to secure markets for our products, ensure trade predictability, and expand into new territories,” he said.

Government’s response is anchored on five key elements: continued engagement with the US to reduce tariffs; diversifying exports to alternative markets; implementing an economic response package for vulnerable companies and workers; introducing trade defence measures against import surges and dumping; and demand-side interventions.

Cabinet has approved a revised offer to the US, building on the proposal submitted in May 2025, addressing concerns raised in the US 2025 National Trade Estimates Report. The USA-Africa Trade Desk has confirmed that shipments of poultry and pork from US states will resume within two weeks, signalling progress on some disputes.

The US has also requested that South Africa consider lowering certain tariffs to align more closely with the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Consultations with industry and other Southern African Customs Union members are underway to identify product lines for adjustment.

Tau stressed that the US tariff decision necessitates a “clear and decisive response”, adding that South Africa is strengthening trade ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and deepening relations with European partners. Expansion into Asia, the Middle East and India is also being prioritised, with Japan, Vietnam and Thailand identified as high-potential markets.

“This is not just about trade figures; it is about job protection, rural livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural growth,” Tau said. Efforts include deploying trade and agricultural attachés, enhancing export certification capacity, and aligning biosecurity standards with new market requirements.

Earlier this month, government announced an economic response package, including an export support desk and a localisation fund, to cushion the impact of the US tariffs, which took effect on 8 August 2025.

Tau emphasised that the US tariffs are not unique to South Africa, affecting over 130 of America’s trading partners. “Our aim is to demonstrate that South African exports do not threaten US industries and that our trade relationship is complementary,” he said.