Ramaphosa pursues diplomatic, export diversification in tariff stand-off

By Thebe Mabanga

President Cyril Ramaphosa has maintained a diplomatic stance in the tariff stand-off with the United States as unions entered the fray on opposing sides of the debate.  

The tariffs were confirmed in an executive order signed late on Thursday to effectively kick in on 7 August. Goods that are already en route to the United States by this Friday will not be subject to the tariffs, nor will items that will have been processed as purchased and would have left point of origin warehouse by 25 October.

For South Africa, the tariffs also do not apply on items including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products.  

“President Cyril Ramaphosa notes with concern the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on South African products.” the Presidency said in a statement on Friday.

“The reciprocal tariffs have