PRETORIA — South Africa has been actively seeking new trade partners in Asia and other regions as part of a strategic diversification plan that predates the recent US tariff announcement, Trade Minister Parks Tau revealed.

“We have long started the process of diversifying our trade partners including in citrus,” Tau stated, highlighting efforts already underway to reduce dependency on traditional export markets.

The Trump administration’s decision to impose a 31% tariff on South African imports comes as part of broader global trade measures that have seen some countries facing increases of up to 50%, including neighboring Lesotho.

Tau indicated South Africa will engage with US officials regarding their tariff calculation methodology while pursuing alternative markets for South African producers.

“We had our own clarity dispute with the EU in regard to citrus because of the restrictions we believe are unrepeatable by the EU,” he added, noting that South Africa has been systematically addressing trade barriers with multiple partners.

The government’s formal response outlines a six-point strategy that includes negotiating more favorable agreements, enhancing regional trade collaboration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, and focusing on value-added production to reduce tariff exposure.

South African officials emphasized that the US represented 7.45% of the country’s total exports in 2024, while South Africa accounted for only 0.4% of US imports, questioning the basis for such significant tariff increases.

The new US tariff regime will take effect from April 9, 2025, accelerating South Africa’s push to strengthen trade relations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.