South Africa has formally requested an extension from the United States on a critical tariff deadline as the two countries continue delicate negotiations over trade relations. The move comes in the context of strained diplomatic ties between Pretoria and Washington that have intensified since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January 2025.

On July 9, a 31% tariff is scheduled to take effect on South African exports to the US markets. This steep increase forms part of a broader set of “reciprocal tariffs” announced by the Trump administration in April. These tariffs were introduced as a countermeasure against what the US government described as unfair trade practices by foreign nations, accusing them of exploiting the openness of the American market to the detriment of US workers and industries.

The Trump administration implemented a 90-day pause on these tariffs to allow for negotiations with affected countries, including South Africa. The upcoming July 9 deadline marks the end of this grace period, putting pressure on Pretoria to secure a deal that would protect its exports from the steep tariff hike.

The South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) announced on July 1 that it had formally requested an extension of the tariff deadline from US authorities. The aim is to secure more time to finalize a trade agreement within a newly proposed framework that balances the interests of both countries.

In its statement, the DTIC emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach. Pretoria is reportedly seeking to limit the maximum tariff to 10% as a worst-case scenario, a significant reduction........

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