US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a 30% tariff will be imposed on South African goods from August 1, citing trade imbalances and national security concerns. However, it remains unclear whether exemptions for energy-related exports, previously outlined in April, will still apply.
In a formal letter dated July 7 and addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump describes the US trade deficit with South Africa as a “major threat to our economy and national security”. The letter also warns that retaliatory tariffs by South Africa will trigger an additional charge.
The letter makes no mention of exemptions. In April, a White House fact sheet indicated that coal, platinum group metals and other energy commodities not available in the US will be excluded from the tariff regime. However, without updated guidance, the current status of those exclusions remains unclear.
In 2024, South Africa exported coal, manganese, nickel and crude oil worth approximately R2 billion to the US, according to SARS trade data.
On the same day the tariff letter was issued, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency and eliminating federal tax credits for wind and solar energy. The order directs US agencies to prioritise fossil fuels and nuclear over what it describes as “unreliable” renewables.
This is a developing story.
