These are the countries South Africa should make friends with

The landscape of international trade is facing renewed uncertainty after United States President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on goods exported to America.

While South Africa is among a handful of nations granted a temporary exemption from the full brunt of the tariffs, a permanent 10% levy on most United States imports remains in place.

This raises concerns about the long-term impact, as the United States is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner.

South Africa currently enjoys a trade surplus of over R36 billion with the US, starkly contrasting its R179 billion trade deficit with China.

Preliminary figures from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) show that the country posted a trade surplus of R196.1 billion for the full year of 2024, up from R130.0 billion in 2023.

However, the durability of this positive momentum is now under scrutiny.

Analysts and policymakers closely monitor South Africa’s intercontinental trade figures as the ripple effects of the United States’ tariff policy unfold.

They are concerned about whether the country’s current trade resilience can withstand the shifting global trade environment.

Trump’s declaration to “reset the global trade table” is poised to disrupt international trade dynamics dramatically.

In response, South Africa said it is mobilising a strategic defence against the sweeping new US tariff regime.

Government leaders emphasise the need for diversification, economic resilience, and expanded export efforts to cushion the country against potential trade shocks.

“The new tariff regime arising from the decision by the United States of America necessitates strategic responses to maintain and grow our industrial base,” said Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

Lamola outlined several key interventions, including pursuing a new bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

South Africa also want to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and boost high-value manufacturing.

“We will intensify efforts to diversify export destinations, targeting markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas,” Lamola said.

He warned that tariffs “effectively nullify the preference that Sub-Saharan African countries enjoy under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).”

The new measures are expected to severely impact key export sectors, including automotive, agriculture, processed food, chemicals, and metals.

Despite this, Lamola struck an optimistic tone: “The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial agreement with the US.”

He questioned the justification for the 31% figure. “South Africa’s average tariff is 7.6%, and therefore South Africa needs clarity on the basis for the 31%,” he said.

Some products, such as copper, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and energy goods, have been granted exemptions.

Reciprocal tariffs will not apply to goods already affected by existing Section 232 duties, including steel and automobiles.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau echoed Lamola’s sentiments, calling for greater fairness in global trade governance.

“We are advocating for a reform of the World Trade Organisation to reinforce a multilateral system of trade and transparency across the board,” he said.

South African trade statistics in 2024

Export partners

Looking at export partners, South Africa’s biggest destinations in 2024 were:

• China – R219.88 billion;
• United States of America – R156.84 billion;
• Germany – R154.24 billion;
• Mozambique – R119.15 billion;
• United Kingdom – R99.99 billion.

South Africa’s biggest importers

Looking at South Africa’s biggest importers in 2024, these were:

• China – R398.4 billion;
• India – R133.62 billion;
• Germany – R129.87 billion;
• United States – R120.42 billion;
• Thailand – R58.91 billion.