South Africa’s position as a gateway for American companies into Africa is at risk because of President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, according to the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (Saccusa).
A report in Moneyweb said the chamber expressed “grave concern” at the inability of the South African government to secure a trade deal or exemption from the 30% tariffs imposed on a wide range of SA goods entering the US.
The sectors hardest hit by the new tariffs – which kicked in on 7 August – are manufacturing, citrus, wine, steel, automotive parts, agricultural processing and textiles.
South Africa’s trade and industry department has estimated that the tariffs could result in the loss of up to 30 000 jobs.
Moneyweb said Saccusa is the latest of several business bodies to criticise government’s handling of the trade talks.
In a statement, the chamber said it had received reports from exporters experiencing cancelled contracts, delayed shipments, and rising warehousing costs due to new customs hurdles and diminished price competitiveness in the US market.
“Small and medium-sized South African-owned businesses operating in the US have also reported being forced to reassess their viability in light of reduced margins.
“Saccusa is actively working to connect these companies with business sustainability and trade advisory services, as well as new buyer networks and alternative market entry points within the Americas and beyond,” the Chamber’s statement said.
Business organisations including Business Unity SA (Busa) and Business Leadership SA (BLSA) have called for urgent action by government to mitigate the impact of the new tariffs.
With traditional diplomatic channels failing to secure a reprieve from the tariffs, the burden of engagement has shifted toward the private sector, says Saccusa, adding that it is mobilising its extensive diaspora network, business associations, and corporate partners to raise awareness of the impact of the tariffs in the US.
The chamber says it aims to build coalitions across industry sectors and engage US legislators and policy influencers to highlight the contributions made by SA to the US economy.
“The recent telephone engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump, during which both leaders committed to continued dialogue, represents a modest but essential step in resolving the impasse,” said Saccusa.
“However, the lack of a concrete suspension or exemption has left thousands of South African jobs and livelihoods hanging in the balance.”
The chamber says both governments must recommit to the principles of fair, rules-based trade and prioritise economic cooperation politics.
At the same time, South African industry must seize the moment “to innovate, collaborate, and realign its global trade strategies.”
