South Africa seeks extension of Trump tariff deadline to pursue trade deal

US President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US on May 21, 2025.

Photo credit: Reuters

South Africa has asked for more time to negotiate a trade deal with US President Donald Trump's administration before his higher tariff regime goes into effect on July 9, Pretoria's trade ministry said on Tuesday.

Trump imposed a 31 percent tax on US imports from South Africa in April as part of his global “reciprocal” tariffs, before pausing their application for 90 days to allow for negotiations.