South Africa is requesting an extension from the United States government to allow more time for ongoing negotiations on a trade deal before a new U.S. tariff regime is set to take effect on July 9, according to Pretoria’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).
The request comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 31% import tariff on South African goods in April, as part of his administration’s global push for “reciprocal trade.” However, the U.S. government paused the implementation of the tariffs for 90 days to allow room for negotiations—a window that is now closing fast.
South Africa is hoping to use the time to secure a new deal that will exempt key exports such as automobiles, car parts, steel, and aluminium from the high tariff. In return, South Africa has reportedly offered to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, showing a willingness to balance trade flows.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the trade ministry said it also proposed that, in the worst-case scenario, the U.S. should limit any tariffs on South African products to a maximum of 10%, not 31%.
Trade Minister Parks Tau emphasized that the South African government is doing all it can to find an amicable solution and urged local industries to remain calm and allow the diplomatic process to play out.
“We urge South African industry to exercise strategic patience and not take decisions in haste. Government will continue to use every available avenue to engage the U.S. government and reach a fair outcome,” Minister Tau said.
South African officials recently met with Connie Hamilton, the U.S. Assistant Trade Representative for Africa, during a summit in Luanda, Angola, where they were informed that the United States was developing a new trade negotiation template for African countries. According to South Africa’s statement, this new approach means African countries now need more time to align their proposals with the updated U.S. model.
“In view of this development, African countries, including South Africa, have advocated for the extension of the 90-day deadline to enable countries to prepare their proposed deals in accordance with the new template,” the statement explained.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has not yet commented publicly on the request for more time.
The United States is South Africa’s second-largest bilateral trading partner, after China. The trade relationship between the two countries covers a wide range of goods, including agricultural products, automotive parts, industrial metals, and wines.
However, if the tariffs are fully implemented in July, South Africa stands to lose thousands of jobs across various sectors. In particular, the citrus industry, which exports heavily to the U.S., could see a loss of up to 35,000 jobs, according to estimates from trade experts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa first introduced the idea of a revised trade deal during his May visit to the White House, where he held discussions with President Trump. Though the meeting initially attracted global attention after Trump repeated false claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa, both governments said the dialogue eventually turned constructive.
Now, with the tariff deadline drawing closer, South Africa’s leaders are racing against time to save critical industries and protect jobs.
Trade experts across the continent are watching the situation closely, as the outcome could influence how other African countries negotiate trade terms with the U.S. under AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) or new bilateral arrangements.
South Africa remains committed to maintaining strong trade relations with the U.S., but officials stress that any agreement must be fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial.
