South Africa-USA: Anger and concern after Trump’s tariffs

Donald Trump’s latest tariff salvo continues to make waves. The imposition of 31% tariffs on South African products by Washington, announced on April 9th, has sparked outrage in South African business circles, who are denouncing a “brutal” and “destructive” decision.

According to the Southern African Citrus Growers Association (CGA), approximately 35,000 jobs are directly threatened by this measure. The United States is a crucial export market for South African fruit.

But the repercussions go far beyond agriculture. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) warns of possible consequences in the automotive, chemical, jewelry and mining industries. For many, these tax hikes could fragilize small and medium-sized enterprises already under heavy economic pressure.

American consumers will also suffer,“ warns Emanuel Matambo of the University of Johannesburg, who sees this policy as ”an unintended boost to South-South cooperation. He suggests that these tensions could push African countries to boost the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Today, intra-African trade remains below 20%, a huge potential that has yet to be tapped. By striking hard, Trump could paradoxically stimulate African economic integration.

Ultimately, South Africa faces a very real risk: job losses, bankruptcies, imported inflation and a bilateral relationship with Washington that seems more fragile than ever.

source: africa news