South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has opposed what he calls the "unilateral" higher trade tariffs imposed on his country by the US. US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would subject imports from South Africa to a new 30% tariff from 1 August.

Trump sent a letter to Ramaphosa on Monday, July 7, informing him that BRICS nation South Africa would face a 30 percent reciprocal tariff from August 1, 2025, to reflect the trade barriers he said the U.S. faces. Trump sent similar letters to 13 other countries.

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the tariffs announcement by the United States. From the 1st of August, the US will impose a 30% tariff on all South African goods. According to President Donald Trump's letter to President Ramaphosa, South Africa sells more to the US than it buys.