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Retaliatory tariffs against US would be ‘counterproductive’, South Africa’s Tau says
South Africa has confirmed that it has no intention of imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US after President Donald Trump announced that South African imports faced so-called “reciprocal tariffs” of 31% from April 9, while automotive imports faced 25% tariffs. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau argued that it would be “counterproductive” for South Africa to retaliate before engaging with the US, particularly given that it was yet to understand the basis on which the 31% reciprocal tariffs had been calculated. South Africa’s own calculation is that US imports face tariffs of only 7.6%.
South Africa has confirmed that it has no intention of imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US after President Donald Trump announced that South African imports faced so-called “reciprocal tariffs” of 31% from April 9, while automotive imports faced 25% tariffs. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau argued that it would be “counterproductive” for South Africa to retaliate before engaging with the US, particularly given that it was yet to understand the basis on which the 31% reciprocal tariffs had been calculated. South Africa’s own calculation is that US imports face tariffs of only 7.6%.
