Steenhuisen optimistic about collaboration to counter looming 30% tariff

AGRICULTURE Minister John Steenhuisen yesterday said he was looking forward to working with Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau to seek a way to avoid the US 30% tariff for the agricultural sector.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Presenting the department's budget in the National Assembly, Steenhuisen noted that US President Donald Trump sent a letter to a number of countries, including South Africa, announcing his intention to persist with the 30% tariff on South African goods and produce exported into the US from August 1.

He said the agricultural sector remained particularly exposed in areas of citrus, wine nuts and table grape.

“Now more than ever it highlights the need for urgent reforms in South Africa so that we can ensure our economy meets the requirements of our trading partners around the world.

“I look forward to working with Minister Tau and others in the coming weeks to urgently seek a ways through this impasse and to ensure we avoid a 30% tariff for our agricultural sector,” he said.