Trump has announced new tariffs, effective from Aug 1. South Africa can negotiate a last-minute deal.

Fresh produce exporters from South Africa are facing difficulties due to a 30% tariff hit from the US authorities. South Africa is one of the seven countries that will be affected by the US's announced tariffs. South Africans are disappointed and do not hope the tariff will be back at 10%. They don't believe in any betterment other than the chance they could avail to ship as many fruits before August 1. Before the new tariff declaration, all the fruit and vegetables exported through water were allowed at the previous rates. It is also expected that many fruit vendors in the US and South African exporters will uphold the fruit supply in cold stores in the US to keep up with the continuous trade.

Exporters are perplexed to find out more about what's going to happen next. There are a few exporters who will agree on the new 30% tariffs and continue exporting to the US.

Cyrik Ramaphosa, South Africa's President, visited Donald Trump in May. He has sent a letter to the US President to review the decision and revive the trade policy. He was in Brazil attending the BRICS Summit recently. Trump was not delighted with the unity shown at the Summit and decided to impose further tariffs on countries associated with the BRICS.

South Africa's foreign policy has also disturbed the US administration, especially due to the solidarity regarding Gaza and Israel's situation and its impact on the Middle East. South Africa's policy with Iran is also a significant reason. These new tariffs are affecting the South African Summer Citrus Program in the USA. South Africa has shipped more than 100,000 tonnes of Citrus fruits to the rural Cape region under the supervision of this programme. This will also impact employment in the area. Many fruit growers in South Africa, including table grape and stone fruit growers, are now worried, developing new strategies and plans, as the peak season of October is arriving, and they had high hopes after witnessing the export growth to the US in the past few years.