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Trump's 30% tariff on SA draws criticism
Weekend Argus on Saturday
|July 12, 2025
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump's plan to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports is drawing sharp criticism from economists, many of whom argue the move is politically motivated rather than based on real trade imbalances.
Economist Dawie Roodt believes the US’ planned 30% tariff on South African goods is being driven more by geopolitical tensions than trade data — and warns that the move could signal deeper diplomatic shifts.
“This is, without a doubt in my view, driven primarily by politics — not economics,” said Roodt.
“South Africa is economically irrelevant to the US, but we play a much bigger role internationally, especially in terms of our support for certain organisations and countries the Americans don’t like.”
Roodt’s comments follow a formal letter sent by Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa, informing him of the impending tariff, which is set to take effect on 1 August 2025.
This story is from the July 12, 2025 edition of Weekend Argus on Saturday.
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