#TariffsPause In April 2025, the United States announced a 90-day suspension of increased tariffs on imports from several countries, including South Africa. This temporary measure, effective from April 10 to July 9, 2025, reduced the tariff rate on South African goods from a proposed 30% back to the baseline 10% .

The pause has provided temporary relief to South Africa's citrus industry, which faced potential job losses estimated at 35,000 due to the proposed tariff hike . Despite this reprieve, economic analysts have revised South Africa's growth forecast for 2025 down to 1.5%, citing ongoing concerns over global trade tensions and domestic production challenges .

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously granted South African goods duty-free access to U.S. markets, is set to expire in September 2025. The current tariff pause does not guarantee the renewal of AGOA, leaving future trade relations uncertain .

President Trump has indicated that another 90-day tariff pause is unlikely, signaling a shift in trade policy direction . This announcement suggests a move toward renewed enforcement of tariffs as part of broader trade negotiations.

The 90-day tariff suspension offers a window for diplomatic negotiations between South Africa and the United States. However, the lack of clarity regarding long-term trade agreements necessitates proactive engagement from South African policymakers to secure favorable terms for the country's exporters.