South Africa Seeks Revised Trade Deal to Reduce US 30% Tariffs

South Africa plans to submit a revised trade offer to the United States to address the 30% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on its exports, which took effect in August 2025. The new offer, approved by South Africa's cabinet, builds on a previous proposal and aims to resolve issues raised in the 2025 U.S. National Trade Estimates Report, including sanitary and phytosanitary regulations affecting poultry, pork, and blueberries. Trade Minister Parks Tau described the offer as substantive and responsive, while Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen called it broad, generous, and aligned with U.S. ambitions. Despite these efforts, the Trump administration has linked tariff reductions to changes in South Africa's domestic policies, such as affirmative action, which remain points of contention. South Africa is also seeking alternative markets to mitigate the impact of the tariffs, which threaten significant jobs in key industries like automotive and agriculture. High-level South African officials are engaging with U.S. counterparts in Washington to facilitate ongoing dialogue and address trade and tariff concerns.