How US tariffs are prompting the W Cape to seek new trading partners

WESGRO, the provincial Agency responsible for Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion and Facilitation has set its sights on unlocking access to new markets and new buyers including China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), India. Brazil and the Middle East, while maintaining a continued focus on established markets in the EU, UK, USA and Africa.

- JONISAYI MAROMO and LISA ISAACS

This comes after US president Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs for several countries, including 31% for certain South African goods imported into the US.

Trump, while announcing the wholesale tariffs on countries including the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Singapore, India, Japan, and South Korea, remarked that "a lot of bad things" are going on in South Africa. Wesgro said exports to the US from the Western Cape totalled R16.2bn in 2024, 8% of total Western Cape exports.

"The US is the second biggest export market for the Western Cape. Products that are exported include citrus, flat-rolled iron and related products, wine, fruit juices, vehicle and space components to mention a few." Wesgro said it wants to ensure stakeholders are well-supported in adapting to the new tariffs and their focus is to ensure that businesses can navigate these challenges with confidence and support.