1 week Ago By RFI
African exporters have welcomed a temporary reprieve from new US tariffs, after President Donald Trump suspended a planned 30 percent import tax for 90 days – but the bigger picture remains uncertain. South Africa’s citrus industry – the world’s second-largest – is among those relieved to have narrowly avoided being hit by the new tax, at least temporarily. “We feel some relief, especially because this came just as we were starting to pack and export fruit to the United States ,” Boitshoko Ntshabele, head of the country's Citrus Growers’ Association, told RFI.
“We’re now facing a 10 percent tax – the same as our competitors. But we keep saying South Africa should be exempt, because our exports come off-season compared to US citrus production.” Who stands in the crosshairs of Trump's tariffs? Tariffs 'nullify AGOA' The car industry has been less fortunate.
A global 25 percent tariff on auto imports remains in place. “Uncertainty brings a degree of reluctance to make decisions – to invest capital, build factories or do all the things that create jobs,” Ayabonga Cawe of South Africa’s International Trade Administration Commission told RFI. “It’s a major concern for us.
But we’re not alone – it’s not just South Africa.” The country’s trade minister, David Ralambofiringa, has told journalists that AGOA still applies “for the time being”. Read more on RFI English Read also: What are Africa's economic needs amid rising competition between China and the West? Italy targets energy, migration with 'non-predatory' plan for Africa France to build balanced partnerships with Africa, says FM on Kenya visit.
