Trump’s Tariffs Hit South Africa With 30 Percent — Something Bad Is Going On
Trump slaps South Africa with 30% tariffs, sparking concern as the rand sinks. What his latest move means for SA’s trade and economy.
Alison Marsh
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
In a dramatic late-night speech from the White House, US President Donald Trump launched a new round of global tariffs, and South Africa is on the hit list. Trump announced that South African goods will now face a 30% import duty one of the highest in the new tariff package.
During his announcement, which took place just after 10:30pm Washington time, Trump mentioned South Africa twice. He claimed, “South Africa... they got some bad things going on,” though he gave no clear explanation for the comment.
The new global tariff structure includes:
10% for countries like the UK and Singapore
24% for Japan
26% for India
34% for China
And a whopping 49% for Cambodia
Trump’s plan also hits the auto industry hard. Products like cars, truck engines, lithium batteries, and even spark plugs will now face 25% tariffs when entering the US.
🎯What does it mean for SA?
READ ALSO | Rand Under Pressure: What’s Behind South Africa’s Currency Slide?
Economists say this isn’t just about protectionism. Siboniso Nxumalo, Chief Investment Officer at Old Mutual Investment Group, believes Trump is using tariffs as a money-making strategy for the US. With high debt and limited borrowing room, he sees tariffs as a quick revenue tool.
His colleague, Meryl Pick, added that this tactic may help the US fiscally, but it could damage the global economy. “Tariffs usually slow growth worldwide. But Trump doesn’t seem to mind his priority is fixing the US budget, no matter the short-term pain,” she said.
What Trump Said:
“In many cases, the friend is worse than the foe in terms of trade.”
“We subsidise a lot of countries... Why are we doing this?”
“We are finally putting Americans first.”
“Trade deficits are no longer just an economic problem. They’re a national emergency.”
📎 Editor’s Note: With South Africa already dealing with a weakened rand and political uncertainty at home, this 30% tariff blow couldn’t come at a worse time. As the south Africa rand dances near its historic lows, experts worry that the currency might sink further under global trade pressure and domestic instability.
