South Africa races to avert US tariffs as Ramaphosa seeks to protect jobs

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said South Africa will use the week-long delay in the imposition of 30 percent tariffs by the United States to engage in intensive negotiations aimed at avoiding economic penalties and job losses.

South Africa is among nearly 70 countries affected by President Donald Trump’s new trade measures, which were initially slated to take effect on Friday but have now been postponed until August 7.

“The window is still open, and we’re hoping to find a way to settle this matter,” Ramaphosa told reporters on Friday. “Our task is to negotiate as strongly and as hard as we can with the United States. Our objective, really, is to save jobs.”

The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China. According to South Africa’s central bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago, the looming tariffs could cost the country approximately 100,000 jobs.

The agriculture and automotive sectors are expected to suffer the most under the proposed 30 percent duties, exacerbating South Africa’s already high unemployment rate, which stands at over 30 percent.

While engaging Washington, Pretoria is also pushing to diversify its export destinations. “It is too risky just to focus on one market,” Ramaphosa added.

As part of its negotiating strategy, South Africa has proposed increasing imports of US liquefied natural gas and agricultural products. The trade ministry also disclosed that South African companies have pledged to invest in US mining and metals-recycling industries and are pursuing joint ventures in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural machinery.