Pretoria: The Presidency has noted the new 30% tariff imposed on South African exports to the United States of America (USA): On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing ‘reciprocal tariffs’ on some of its trading partners, including China, the European Union, Australia, and Brazil.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Presidency noted with concern the newly imposed tariffs on South Africa, saying the tariffs serve as a ‘barrier to trade’.
‘Whilst South Africa remains committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity.
‘The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S, as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty,’ The Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.