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

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

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

South Africa aims to secure a trade deal that would exempt some of its key exports from the tariffs, including autos, auto parts, steel, and aluminium. It has offered to buy liquefied natural gas from the United States in exchange.

It is also seeking a maximum tariff application of 10% as a worst-case scenario, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

China lowered tariffs on US goods to 10% and resumed rare earth exports; the US lowered its tariff on Chinese goods to 30% (10% baseline + 20% fentanyl) and cut de minimis tariffs to 54%. Trump announced the 10% baseline tariff would remain for all countries even after negotiations.