With the July 9 deadline fast approaching for the start of President Trump’s new tariffs, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed his call for more time to negotiate a trade deal with the United States.
On Tuesday, South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition confirmed that the country has formally asked Washington for an extension to finalize an agreement before the 31% tariff on U.S. imports from South Africa takes effect.
In its statement, the department said South Africa is pushing for a cap on the tariff at 10% as it continues talks with U.S. officials.
Reuters reports that South African negotiators recently met with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa, Connie Hamilton, during talks in Luanda.
There, they were told that the U.S. is working on a standardized template for trade deals with African nations.
“In view of this development… African countries, including South Africa, have advocated for the extension of the 90-day deadline to enable countries to prepare their proposed deals in accordance with the new template,” the department said.
Trump’s tariff plan, first announced in April as part of his administration’s “reciprocal trade” policy, would impose duties ranging from 10% for countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia, to 30% for South Africa and 50% for Lesotho.
The move is part of a broader effort to reset U.S. trade relations with African nations.
Although the tariffs were paused for 90 days to allow for negotiations, the grace period is set to expire, increasing pressure on both sides to find common ground.
The talks are key to preserving South Africa’s preferential access to U.S. markets under programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Ramaphosa’s government has warned that the tariffs would unfairly hurt South African manufacturers and exporters, many of whom depend heavily on the U.S. market.
Officials have highlighted the strong economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries, framing the standoff as a test of cooperation at a time when global trade is shifting.
The Trump administration argues that the tariffs are needed to correct trade imbalances and protect American industries from unfair competition.
Its reciprocal trade policy has already affected several U.S. trading partners, and South Africa’s inclusion in the latest round has sparked concern among African leaders about what it signals for future U.S.-Africa trade relations.
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Image Credit: CBNC Africa
