Africa Scrambles Amid Trump 30% Tariffs, US-China Trade Shifts

African nations, particularly South Africa, are urgently responding to the 30% tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration, which threaten key exports and endanger tens of thousands of jobs. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading efforts to mitigate these impacts through foreign trade missions, protective measures for vulnerable sectors, and a strategic pivot to diversify trade partners, emphasizing increased economic ties with China, Southeast Asia, and Türkiye. China has also stepped in to support South Africa and Brazil diplomatically and economically, offering potential financial aid and encouraging import diversification to counteract U.S. tariffs, reflecting broader Sino-South efforts to challenge U.S. economic policies and reshape global trade dynamics. The tariffs, effective August 7, have disrupted trade flows since their announcement in April, causing widespread concern across African economies heavily reliant on U.S. markets. This situation highlights escalating geopolitical trade tensions and the resulting shifts in supply chains and international alliances.