In response to a steep 30% tariff hike imposed by the United States, South Africa has submitted a comprehensive trade proposal aimed at preserving its agricultural export market and protecting thousands of jobs. Ministers Parks Tau and John Steenhuisen described the revised offer as “broad, generous, open, and ambitious,” signaling a strategic pivot in economic diplomacy.

The proposal includes enhanced sanitary and phytosanitary protocols for US poultry, blueberries, and pork, alongside a conditional self-ban and self-lifting system for poultry imports. This mechanism enables South Africa to access the 72,000-ton tariff quota agreed upon in 2016. Additionally, new biosecurity measures are being introduced to mitigate fruit fly risks in blueberry shipments.

Agriculture contributes R9.8 billion to South Africa’s exports to the US, with citrus, avocados, and table grapes among the most vulnerable commodities. The government estimates that the tariffs could result in the loss of 30,000 jobs and reduce GDP by 0.4%.

To counter these risks, South Africa has launched an Export Support Desk that has already assisted over 50 exporters. Complementary initiatives include a Localisation Support Fund, an Export Competitiveness Programme, and a Block Exemption under competition law to facilitate collaboration among exporters.

Minister Tau emphasized that diversification is not a fallback strategy but a proactive move toward resilience. New markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are being actively pursued, with citrus and wine sectors leading the charge.

“This is not a Plan B—it’s Plan A for long-term resilience,” Tau stated. “We’re building a future-proof agricultural economy.”