By Johnathan Paoli
South Africa is facing a deepening economic crisis following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping 30% import tariffs on South African goods, effective 1 August.
The move has triggered an outcry from unions, industry bodies, and opposition parties, who warn of devastating consequences for jobs, trade, and investor confidence.
The tariffs are widely seen as a signal of the impending collapse of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), threatening duty-free access to the United States for over 6,000 South African products, including vehicles, citrus, textiles, and minerals.
Agriculture Minister and DA leader John Steenhuisen described the tariffs as a “crippling blow” to the economy and a “national emergency” for exporters and workers alike.
“The South African economy—already contending with record-high unemployment—cannot absorb further shocks to its export-dependent sectors,” Steenhuisen said.
Steenhuisen emphasized that South Africa’s already-struggling economy, burdened with the world’s highest unemployment rates, cannot
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