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South Africa: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Trade Strategy following the Implementation of Trump’s “Letter” Tariffs & AGOA hangs in the balance

By and 6 Mins Read

In our previous post, we explored South Africa’s initial diplomatic posture following Trump’s so-called “letter” tariffs. Since then (and following the implementation of the 30% tariffs on 1 August 2025), the South African government has released a comprehensive Joint Statement outlining a five-point response plan, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has, more recently, made a strong appeal for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is set to expire on 30 September…

South Africa: Responding to Trump’s “Letter” Tariffs with Diplomacy, Deal-Making and Diversification

By and 3 Mins Read

In a move that has shifted global attention back to tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed a flat tariff increase on all imports from several countries, including 30% on South African exports to the U.S.. These U.S. actions were reported on our blog earlier this week here and here. This blog post focuses on the South African government’s response. A Rebuttal President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly opposed the tariffs, describing them as “unilateral” and based on a…

US: President Trump Announces Revised Tariffs for 14 Countries Effective August 1, Extends Pause for Higher “Liberation Day” Tariffs

By , and 4 Mins Read

On July 7, President Trump announced revised tariffs rates for certain trading partners that will take effect on August 1 and extended the postponement of his “Liberation Day” tariffs. The revised tariffs were announced via letters to 14 countries and range from 25% to 40%. These actions come mere days before President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, which were paused to allow for the negotiation of bilateral trade agreements, were due to resume on July 9 for…

South Africa and impact of global trade wars

By and 2 Mins Read

The President of South Africa has recently assented to the Expropriation Bill (Bill), which is set to replace the Expropriation Act, 1975. This Bill outlines the specific procedures and conditions under which government bodies can expropriate land for public purposes. The aim is to ensure that land expropriation is conducted in a manner that serves the public interest. The Bill has sparked significant international attention, particularly after the new President of the United States (US…

South Africa: Do all good things come to an end? | Phasing out the low customs value consignment relief

By , , and 3 Mins Read

Before 1 September 2024, imports valued at ZAR500 or less (c. EUR26) were subject to a flat rate of 20% in lieu of customs duties and no value added tax (low value consignment relief). This relief was apparently introduced under a 2007 concession list published by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The concession presented various benefits to multinational companies as they gained access to the South African market through the retention of low costs…

UK introduces Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations

By 1 Min Read

The UK has issued the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 (the “Regulations“), which came into force on 26 April 2021. These Regulations are designed to ensure that sanctions relating to serious incidents of corruption are enforced. The Regulations will give the government the power to impose asset freezes on designated persons or those dealing with them, with the aim of preventing the UK from being used as a “haven for dirty money.” This is the first time…

South Africa – New export controls regulations in South Africa in light of Covid-19

By 2 Mins Read

In light of the operation of a 21 day national lockdown and the President’s declaration of a state of national disaster, the Department of Trade and Industry introduced new export control measures on Friday, 27 March 2020. These measures came into operation with effect from 27 March 2020 and shall remain in operation until further notice. Export applications to the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) Section 6 of the International Trade Administration Act, 71 of…

US – USTR reallocates unused 2020 TRQ for raw cane sugar

By 1 Min Read

On February 7, 2020, the US Trade Representative (USTR) published in the Federal Register a document announcing the country-by-country reallocations of 78,071 MTRV of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 in-quota quantity of the World Trade Organization (WTO) tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for imported raw cane sugar from those countries that stated they do not plan to fill their FY 2020 allocated raw cane sugar quantities. See the notice for country-by-country reallocations.