A wave of new US tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through global markets in 2025. South Africa is not immune. With tariff hikes ranging from 25% to 50% on vehicles, steel, and aluminium, and a 10% blanket tariff on all imports to the US—set to rise to 30% on 8 July 2025—the implications for South African exporters, and the economy, are potentially severe.  

The ripple effects threaten to undo years of trade progress under AGOA and disrupt over $14 billion in bilateral trade. The impact will be felt across South African industries already grappling with competitiveness challenges and inefficient trade infrastructure.  

The International Economic Programme (IEP), implemented by DNA Economics, Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), hosted a webinar where Prof Lawrence Edwards will be sharing his most recent research on the implications of US tariffs on South African exports. In the webinar, he unpacks how these new tariffs will impact trade flows, and what the tariff increases mean for different industries and trade agreements like AGOA. With such a profound impact on our economy it is important to explore how policy can respond such that it is can best serve South Africa’s interests.   

This is an opportunity to learn from one of South Africa’s leading trade economists and learn more about policy actions and industry responses. By gaining insight into the risks these tariffs pose, firms can adapt to mitigate them.