PRETORIA, Aug 13 (NNN-SANEWS) — Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has made it clear that the South African government is pulling out all the stops to keep the American market open for South African goods.
This is amid the recent imposition of a 30% unilateral tariff by the United States (US) on South African exports.
“We will at the same time accelerate our efforts to diversify markets and build on the efforts we have put in place to ensure predictability in trade and leverage all our existing partnerships to secure markets for our products,” Tau said.
He was addressing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held last week on the US tariffs, along with the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.
Tau said government has been implementing a response anchored on five key elements: continued engagement with the United States to secure a deal and reduce the tariffs; the diversification of exports to alternate markets; an economic response package to vulnerable companies and workers; trade defense against import surge and dumping; and demand side interventions.
“Cabinet has approved that South Africa submits a revised offer as a basis for negotiations with the US. The new offer builds on the previous offer submitted in May 2025. The new offer substantively responds to the issues the US has raised in the 2025 National Trade Estimates Report,” he said.
The Minister said the USA-Africa Trade Desk has informed government that it will be shipping containers of poultry and pork to South Africa in two weeks’ time, which is testimony that these issues have been resolved.
“The shipments will come from the states of Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama through the Ports of New Orleans in Louisiana, Savanna in Georgia and Norfolk in Virginia,” Tau said.
Another significant request from the US was that South Africa consider reducing tariffs as a way to address the deficit and tariff disparity with the European Union due to the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
“South Africa continues consultations with industry and in this regard, in consultation with other members of the Southern African Customs Union, will identify specific lines to respond to this request.
“The recent imposition of a 30% unilateral tariff by the United States on our exports is a significant policy shift that necessitates a clear and decisive response. South Africa has accelerated its diversification efforts of export markets and enhanced competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access.
“We are committed to strengthening our relationships, particularly under the AfCFTA, to build regional resilience.
“We will also continue the work we have started with our European partners towards enhancing our trade and investment relations in a manner that unlocks sustainable growth and development and entrenches South Africa in new supply-chains,” Tau said.
He said government was looking at Asia, including Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, the Middle East and India.
“We are pursuing these markets because we see growing demand, existing negotiations and a positive reception to South African products.
“This is not just about trade numbers; it is directly linked to job protection. Diversification is about protecting rural livelihoods and sustainable agricultural growth for our people.
“To achieve this, government is deploying dedicated infrastructure for market expansion, including trade and agricultural attachés, increased export certification capacity and a concerted effort to align our biosecurity standards with the requirements of these new markets,” the Minister said.
Earlier this month, government said was creating an economic response package to address job losses and lessen the impact of the US’ decision to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on its imports.
The package will include the establishment of an export support desk and a localisation fund.
In May, South Africa submitted a comprehensive and ambitious framework deal aimed at addressing trade deficits and promoting mutually beneficial relations.
The tariffs took effect from Aug 8, 2025.
Tau said a high-level negotiation team, including both the dtic and the Department of Agriculture has been identified and is ready to engage the US towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
“Our goal is to demonstrate that South African exports do not pose a threat to US industries and that our trade relationship is, in fact, complementary,” Tau said.
He said the unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States of America do not only apply to South Africa.
“They also affect over 130 trading partners with whom American consumers and producers interact,” he said. — NNN-SANEWS
