Customs: tug-of-war between the United States and South Africa

A new trade front opens between Washington and Pretoria. The Trump administration plans to impose 30% tariffs on South African imports from August 1st. A unilateral decision, contested by the South African authorities.

To justify this tariff increase, the United States points to a trade imbalance. But Pretoria counters: 56% of American products enter South Africa duty-free, compared with only 7.6% average duty for South African imports.

This discrepancy highlights the fragility of current trade negotiations between the two countries. South Africa says it remains committed to more balanced and mutually advantageous trade relations, but the climate has become much more tense.

Other African countries are also concerned: Tunisia is subject to a 25% tariff on its exports to the United States.

In a global context where Agoa expires in 2025 and China is multiplying customs exemptions in Africa, this American measure could push Pretoria to redirect part of its trade towards other partners, notably Asian.

A further sign of the reconfiguration of global economic alliances, in which Africa is seeking to defend its interests in an increasingly polarized game.

source:africa news