Ramaphosa: US-imposed tariffs on SA imports highlights need to diversify trading partners
US President Donald Trump has implemented import taxes on several nations, slapping South Africa with a 30% tariff.
President Cyril Ramaphosa responds to the debate on budget vote 1 on the Presidency in the Good Hope chamber on 17 July 2025. Picture: Parliament/Phando Jikelo
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa said the United States (US)'s decision to impose significant tariffs on South African imports highlights the urgent need to diversify its trading partners.
US President Donald Trump has implemented import taxes on several nations, slapping South Africa with a 30% tariff.
This has raised concerns about the substantial costs associated with continuing trade with the US.
Speaking at the BMW manufacturing plant in Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa said this is a wake-up call.
“The recent announcements on tariffs by the United States, an important market for our vehicle exports, further underscore the need to diversify our export base and accelerate domestic value creation.”
He expressed the importance of South Africa to improve trade with African countries.
“As we face this threat of the tariffs, we need to open our eyes and see where can the X3 go. It’s good that the X3 will be going to Europe, but we need to open up the African market as well.”