South Africa faces potential tariffs in sweeping US trade investigation

SOUTH Africa has been included in a sweeping US trade investigation into whether it is harming America through its trade policies.

- NICOLA MAWSON

THE White House has launched investigations into 60 economies, including South Africa.

(White House)

If the investigation finds that this is the case, South Africa could ultimately be punished with additional tariffs or other restrictions.

South Africa and the US’ relationship has been strained of late, especially with US President Donald Trump accusing South Africa wrongly of implementing racist policies under B-BBEE.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said it had launched investigations under the Trade Act into 60 economies, including South Africa, to examine whether their policies or practices disadvantage US businesses or workers. Two way trade was worth around $16.5 billion in 2025, according to the Office of the USTR. The UN puts South African exports to the US at about $8.75 billion in 2025.

America is the second-largest export market for South Africa.