Mongezi Koko3 April 2025 | 7:16

Presidency concerned about new Trump tariffs

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled sweeping global tariffs, saying it was payback for unfair trade policies.

Presidency concerned about new Trump tariffs

Donald Trump signs an executive order to start reciprocal tariffs on many other nations, effective at midnight, on 3 April 2025. Picture: Andrew Leyden/NurPhoto/NurPhoto via AFP

JOHANNESBURG - The Presidency said it was concerned about the newly imposed US tariffs, calling them punitive and a barrier to trade.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled sweeping global tariffs, saying it was payback for unfair trade policies.

South Africa will face 30% tariffs but the Presidency said that the country remained committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with Washington.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya: "Unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity. The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US, as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty."