South African Citrus Farmers Prepare as Trump’s 30% Tariffs Take Effect

• Citrus farmers discussed the impact of the United States of America's tariffs on their industry
• U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs came into effect on 7 August amid fears and concerns of the effects they would have on the country
• South Africans discussed the tariffs, and many people were worried about the impacts on the economy

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, cabinet reshuffles, the State of the Nation Address, Parliamentary Proceedings, and politician-related news, as well as elections, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years.

WESTERN CAPE — Citrus farmers in the country are preparing to find alternative markets for their produce as United States President Donald Trump's 30% tariffs come into effect on 7 August 2025.

According to SABC News, citrus growers believe that the impact of the tariffs could result in exporters looking for markets in other continents, including Europe. South Africa is the worst-hit country in sub-Saharan Africa after countries like Ghana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Nigeria were hit with 15% tariffs.

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A farmer from Limpopo, who exports his produce to global markets including Russia, China, and Japan, said that only farmers from the Western and Northern Cape are allowed to export to the US because of restrictions. Limpopo-based farmers are not expecting losses as 40% of locally produced citrus comes from Limpopo.

What you need to know about the US tariffs

• US Congressman Jonathan Luther Jackson defended South Africa and objected to a US bill aimed at sanctioning the country and some African National Congress officials
• President Cyril Ramaphosa calls for more negotiations as he attempts to find ways to mitigate the tariffs
• Ramaphosa was hopeful that he would strike a trade deal with the USA before the tariffs were implemented
• Democratic Alliance president John Steenhuisen was concerned about the impact of the tariffs on he agriculture sector
• The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said that South African exports do not pose a threat in the United States markets

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What did South Africans say?

South Africans on Facebook commented on the tariffs.

Sipho Mbonambi said:

"The USA says they don't want to do business with ANC officials because they're corrupt and never face justice after committing their corruption, but we still send those people to do negotiations. Are we serious about changing the mind of the USA?"

Daisy Makhongoane said:

"Trump wants you to kneel for him. Are you gonna do that?"

David Van Wyk asked:

"Why bother to appease the nutcase in the White House?"

Sabelo Jongolo said:

"The ANC won't win negotiations and come up with positive results."

Kamza Dee Boy XLee said:

"Those who continue to bow to Donald Trump must step."

Mcebisi Jonas has not visited the US

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Mcebisi Jonas, the country's special envoy to the United States, has not yet visited the country. This was despite his appointment over a month ago.

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Jonas was appointed to the position in April after former ambassador Ebrahinm Rasool was declared persona non grata. The Democratic Alliance slammed Jonas.

Source: Briefly News