The August 1 US tariff deadline is fast approaching.
In addition to facing 30% tariffs, South Africa has been subject to a 25% import tax on car parts since May, and a 25% import tax on vehicles since April — measures that have been applied to several other countries as well. US President Trump has warned that the US will impose an extra 10% tariff on any nation that aligns itself with what he calls the “anti-American policies” of Brics, the 10-nation bloc of which South Africa is a member.
Adding insult to injury, the African Growth & Opportunity Act, which grants African exporters duty-free access to the US market, expires on September 30.
With former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool expelled, Ramaphosa in April appointed former finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to “lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests”. However, Americans reportedly declined to give the outspoken Jonas a diplomatic visa and would not recognise him as an interlocutor.
There has been controversy as to whether South Africa is playing the cards it holds as skilfully as it should, given the White House’s sentiment towards it. The government does not appear to be treating its conflict with the US with the urgency it demands, risking the imposition of tariffs that could spell economic disaster for the country.
August 1 may become a defining date in our history — whether it marks the start of decline or the pivot to strategic renewal depends on what we do next.
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