South Africa has urged the United States and President Donald Trump to reconsider the harsh trade tariffs set to take effect on July 9, warning of serious consequences for its economy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition confirmed it is in active negotiations with Washington in a bid to strike a last-minute trade deal before the new tariffs come into force.

Announced in April, the Trump administration’s revised tariff regime imposes a 31% duty on all South African exports to the U.S.—a move that places the country among the hardest-hit African economies, alongside Lesotho.

The stakes are high. The U.S. is South Africa’s second-largest export destination after China, accounting for 8.2% of its total exports in 2024. The new tariffs threaten critical sectors such as mining, agriculture, and automotive manufacturing.

South Africa exports significant volumes of metal ores, precious stones, citrus fruits, and vehicle components to the U.S. The mining and citrus industries alone employ over 235,000 workers—making them particularly vulnerable to any disruption in trade flows.

The ripple effects could extend beyond exports. Imported items made from pearls and precious stones, including jewelry and ornamental goods, could become significantly more expensive for South African consumers. At the same time, local auto part manufacturers—facing reduced access to U.S. markets—may redirect supplies to domestic carmakers. While this could lead to lower prices for consumers, concerns persist over whether local quality standards can match those of imports from countries like Japan or Germany.

Economic analysts warn that prolonged tariff pressure may depress activity across key industries, slowing job creation and growth.

Pretoria may look to fast-track a trade deal with Washington, potentially offering reciprocal terms to sweeten negotiations. However, with Trump’s protectionist stance hardening in recent months, there is no guarantee that any compromise will be reached in time.

For now, South Africa’s message to the U.S. is clear: reconsider the tariffs—gracefully—before both sides suffer the cost.