South Africa Explores China Connections as U.S. Tariffs Loom

A July 2025 file image of a worker in a South African bottling plant. Wine is a key South African export now endangered by U.S. tariffs.

South Africa is scrambling to soften the blow of 30% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The measure, scheduled to come into effect on August 7, endangers 30,000 jobs. The government said it is preparing a package to shield businesses from the impact, which will be unveiled to parliament on Wednesday.

Central to the drive is to diversify the country’s trade partners. The U.S. is South Africa’s second-largest export destination after China. While government officials say they are pursuing expanded trade with Southeast Asia, Türkiye, and other markets, rapidly expanding trade with China remains central to the strategy.

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by CGSP Staff

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