United States President Donald Trump’s reciprocal trade tariffs, first announced on 2 April, were set to take effect on 9 July. However, he extended the 90-day moratorium to 1 August and sent letters to more than 20 countries informing them that their tariffs had been revised. South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya were the only African countries to receive letters so far.

South Africa and Algeria’s tariffs remain unchanged at 30%. Tunisia’s was slightly reduced from 28% to 25%. Libya’s was marginally reduced from 31% to 30%.

A fact sheet on the White House website, which claims President Trump is “the best trade negotiator in history”, hints at a willingness to pursue further trade talks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa would continue its “diplomatic efforts towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship”.

South Africa’s platinum, gold, coal, manganese and chrome are among the products that have been excluded from the US tariffs.