Trump tariffs could harm SA's high-value exports

The newly introduced 30% import tariffs on goods from South Africa to the US, which, at the time of writing, were paused for 90 days, are set to have far-reaching consequences for South Africa's high-value agricultural exports.

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In April, US President Donald Trump announced steep import tariffs on multiple countries, including a 30% tariff on all agricultural goods from South Africa.

According Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, 4% of South Africa’s agricultural exports are destined for the US. While this is comparatively small, the US market is crucial for high-value exports like citrus, macadamia nuts and wine.

Around 98% of macadamia nuts produced in South Africa are exported, of which around 20% was consumed by the US in 2023. South Africa is the largest supplier of macadamia nuts to the US.

Shane Hartman, CEO of Global Macadamias, said that the US was a critical market for South Africa's macadamia kernel exports.