South Africa to offer revised trade proposal to U.S. after tariff hike

South Africa will submit a revised trade proposal to the United States to reduce the newly imposed 30 percent tariff and seek alternative export markets to offset the impact.

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will submit a revised trade proposal to the United States to reduce the newly imposed 30 percent tariff and seek alternative export markets to offset the impact, a government official said Tuesday.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the Cabinet had approved the revised offer, which builds on a proposal tabled in May and addresses concerns raised by Washington in its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report.

Alongside talks with the United States, Tau said the government is pursuing a five-pronged strategy to mitigate the impact, including diversifying exports to alternative markets and providing an economic support package for affected companies and workers.

Target markets include Asia and the Middle East, with the African Continental Free Trade Area leveraged to deepen intra-African trade and strengthen regional resilience, he said.

"We are pursuing these markets because we see growing demand, existing negotiations, and a positive reception to South African products. Diversification is also about protecting rural livelihoods and sustainable agricultural growth for our people," said the minister.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said South Africa is in advanced talks with China to boost citrus exports, citing Beijing's recent pledge to grant zero-tariff access on all tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties. ■