South Africa has tried for months to negotiate a deal with Washington and offered to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas and invest in American industries in exchange for a lower tariff.

South Africa faces the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting Trump's strained relationship with the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been hit with a 15% tariff, which will also come into effect in seven days.

South Africa’s planned investment in capital projects almost halved in the first six months of 2025 after the government and state-owned companies failed to announce any new ones.