"As of today, Sunday, April 20, 2025, the tariff situation between the United States and South Africa is marked by significant recent changes. Here's the latest update: US Tariffs on South African Goods: 30% Reciprocal Tariff: As announced by the Trump administration, a 30% reciprocal tariff is in effect on most goods imported from South Africa into the United States. This tariff went into effect on April 9, 2025. 10% Universal Tariff: In addition to the reciprocal tariff, a 10% baseline tariff applies to all goods entering the U.S. unless specifically exempted. This has been in place since April 5, 2025. Cumulative Impact: The combined effect of these tariffs means that most South African exports to the U.S. now face a 40% tariff (10% + 30%). This significantly increases the cost for U.S. importers of South African goods. Vehicles and Auto Parts: A separate 25% tariff is imposed on imported vehicles and automotive components from South Africa, effective April 3, 2025. This rate supersedes the 40% cumulative rate for this specific sector. Exemptions: Certain goods have been exempted from the reciprocal tariffs. These notably include: Copper Pharmaceuticals Semiconductors Lumber articles Certain critical minerals Energy and energy products Impact on AGOA: These new tariffs effectively nullify the preferential access that South Africa previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for over 1,800 products. South Africa's Tariffs on US Goods: According to recent reports (April 2025), South Africa imposes a relatively moderate overall tariff of 7.6% on products imported from the United States. The tariff on agricultural imports from the U.S. is slightly higher, at 8.5%. There are concerns from the U.S. that South Africa could potentially increase these tariffs significantly under its World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff bounds. South Africa has, in the past, used tariffs to protect domestic industries, such as increasing tariffs on ""bone-in chicken"" from the U.S., significantly reducing American exports. Key Implications and Reactions: Significant Cost Increase: The 40% tariff on most South African goods will likely make them considerably more expensive for American consumers and businesses. Threat to South African Exports: The tariffs pose a significant threat to South Africa's exports to the U.S., which amounted to $14.7 billion in 2024. Key sectors like automotive, agriculture (especially citrus), and metals are particularly vulnerable. Job Losses: The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa has warned that the tariffs could threaten up to 35,000 jobs in their sector alone. End of AGOA Benefits: The new tariffs effectively negate the duty-free access South African goods had under AGOA, a trade deal intended to boost African economic development. South Africa's Response: The South African government has expressed concern over the ""unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs"" and is urging negotiations for a new, mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S. They also emphasize diversifying trade relations and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). US Rationale: The Trump administration has justified these tariffs as a measure to address trade imbalances and support U.S. manufacturing, claiming that South Africa imposes high tariffs on American goods (a claim not fully supported by available data on applied tariffs). In summary, the recent imposition of substantial tariffs by the United States on South African goods marks a significant shift in the trade relationship between the two countries, potentially leading to reduced trade volumes and economic challenges for South Africa. The future of the trade relationship will likely depend on any potential negotiations or adjustments to these tariff policies."