Business Leadership SA calls on Ramaphosa to establish trade crisis committee amid US tariff hike
Business Leadership South Africa has urged President Ramaphosa to establish a trade crisis committee in response to the steep US tariff hike, warning of the potential impact on jobs, investment, and economic stability.
Image: Mandel NGAN / AFP
As South Africa braces for the imminent 30% tariff hike on exports to the United States, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has moved swiftly to establish an Export Support Desk.
This comes after US President Donald Trump announced last month that the tariffs were being imposed to address what he called long-standing trade imbalances and unfair market restrictions.
The move has sparked concern across key export sectors, with citrus growers, wine producers, and mining companies warning of severe financial losses and potential job cuts.
In response, the DTIC describes the Export Support Desk as a vital lifeline for exporters navigating the fallout from the escalating trade tensions.
"The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has established an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the U.S. tariff hike," the department said.
"Exporters are encouraged to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and also to visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support mechanisms".
Meanwhile, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busisiwe Mavuso has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a dedicated trade crisis committee to coordinate the country’s response to the looming US tariffs.
"A standing crisis committee, consisting of business leaders and government officials from key departments, should be established to ensure rapid information flow and coordinated efforts,". Mavuso said.
"I encourage the president to establish a Trade Crisis Committee that brings together business leaders and key government officials to jointly chart a path forward. This committee must include National Treasury. We already have proven crisis response tools that were developed for Covid-19 and the 2021 KwaZulu-Natal unrest"
IOL News
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za