South African civil rights group AfriForum has sharply criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of National Unity (GNU) over the impending 30% tariff on South African exports to the United States, set to take effect on August 1, 2025. The tariff was announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, citing concerns under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) due to a significant trade imbalance between the two countries.
The United States highlighted that South Africa exported $14.8 billion in goods to the US, while American exports to South Africa amounted to just $5.8 billion. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel condemned the South African government for what he described as a lack of meaningful engagement during the 90-day grace period given by the U.S. Kriel alleged that government concerns were dismissed as misinformation, and accused officials of ignoring proposals from AfriForum aimed at resolving the dispute. He also claimed the organisation faced unfounded treason accusations for its efforts.
Kriel warned that the tariffs could deliver a serious blow to the local economy and pointed to government policies, including the controversial Expropriation Act, as aggravating tensions with Washington.
In response, President Ramaphosa defended the government’s handling of the issue, noting that 77% of U.S. goods currently enter South Africa duty-free. He emphasized ongoing negotiations and referenced a trade framework submitted to the U.S. in May. Ramaphosa described the tariff as “punitive” and called for sustained diplomatic dialogue to resolve the dispute, underscoring the importance of protecting South Africa’s economic interests while maintaining international partnerships.
As the tariff deadline approaches, the standoff highlights growing concerns about South Africa’s trade relations with key global partners and the economic repercussions of unresolved diplomatic tensions.
