Steenhuisen warns
Steenhuisen warns of Trump tariffs impact on agriculture as the United States moves forward with plans to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has raised serious concerns in parliament, warning that this drastic development could cripple parts of South African agriculture unless swift action is taken.
Trump tariffs cast shadow over South African agriculture
Tabling his 2025/26 budget vote in parliament on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen reacted to a letter sent by US President Donald Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The letter, delivered just a day before Steenhuisen’s budget address, stated that the US would implement a 30% tariff on South African imports beginning in August 2025.
“While we can breathe a sigh of relief the tariff did not come into effect as it was due to tomorrow, it does give us an opportunity to urgently use the next few weeks to try to negotiate a way forward to prevent this,” Steenhuisen said.
These Trump tariffs follow the earlier April announcement of new “reciprocal” tariffs under Section 232, a policy originally intended to protect US industries. Though temporarily suspended for 90 days, the countdown has begun for South Africa to respond before August’s implementation.
End of AGOA? Alarming signs for SA exporters
Steenhuisen cautioned that the tariffs might signal the informal end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Under AGOA, South Africa enjoys duty-free access to the US market for over 6,000 products — including key goods from the automobile, agriculture, and textile sectors.
“Though not explicit, the announcement would signal the end of AGOA,” he warned. “More than ever, it highlights the need for urgent reform in South Africa so we can ensure our economy meets the requirements of our trading partners around the world.”
Key agricultural exports at risk
According to Steenhuisen, the 30% Trump tariffs directly threaten a wide range of South African exports, including:
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Citrus
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Wine
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Table grapes
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Macadamia and other nuts
These are not only flagship export products but also major employers across the country’s rural provinces. Their exposure to US trade policy puts tens of thousands of jobs and billions in export value at risk.
“We must protect our farmers and agricultural producers. I will work closely with [Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition] Parks Tau to avoid these tariffs and safeguard our agricultural sector,” Steenhuisen said.
Reform, resilience, and digital transformation
With these looming trade challenges, Steenhuisen’s budget vote emphasized deep reforms aimed at modernizing and securing South Africa’s agriculture. In his words, South African agriculture is “at a crossroads of extraordinary potential and persistent risks.”
The minister outlined key obstacles including:
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Climate change
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Rising input costs
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Ageing infrastructure
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Access to finance
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Global trade shocks
As part of the response, Steenhuisen announced several reforms:
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Launch of an agricultural digital platform to support data-driven farming
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Creation of a ministerial oversight framework with biannual audit reviews
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Strengthening of biosecurity systems to prevent export blockages
Key initiatives in 2025/26 agriculture budget
The R43.2 billion agriculture budget for 2025/26 includes targeted initiatives to enhance South Africa’s resilience and competitiveness in global markets. These include:
1. Biosecurity Council
A newly established Biosecurity Council will coordinate disease prevention efforts and facilitate compliance with international export standards.
2. Foot-and-mouth containment
The department will roll out national foot-and-mouth disease containment drives, particularly in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, to maintain global trade access for beef.
3. Avian flu vaccination campaigns
In response to devastating poultry sector losses, avian flu vaccination campaigns will be scaled up, protecting both domestic supply and export potential.
4. Veterinary research strengthening
Funds will be allocated to improve capacity and oversight at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research facility, which plays a vital role in animal health and biosecurity.
Inclusive, youth-driven, and climate-smart agriculture
Beyond trade challenges, Steenhuisen emphasized the broader vision of agricultural transformation.
“The budget is more than a set of figures. It is a statement of intent, a commitment to build a new kind of inclusive agriculture. An agriculture that is youth-driven, science-based, climate smart and, most importantly, inclusive,” he said.
This includes programs to attract young professionals into farming, support for women farmers, and incentives for climate-smart agriculture practices.
Steenhuisen calls for united front against Trump tariffs
In his final remarks, Steenhuisen reiterated his willingness to work across departments, including with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, to find a diplomatic solution to Trump’s planned tariffs.
“Steenhuisen warns of Trump tariffs impact on agriculture not just as a political posture but as a national emergency. Our exports, our jobs, and our agricultural future are all at stake,” he said.
The Minister called on Parliament, the Presidency, and the private sector to support urgent talks with the US administration before August to stop the 30% tariff before it hits the sector.
Conclusion: A turning point for South African agriculture
The next few weeks will be decisive. With billions in exports and thousands of jobs on the line, Trump tariffs could become a defining test of South Africa’s global trade diplomacy.
But Steenhuisen believes this crisis could also be the spark for overdue reforms. By responding with urgency, innovation, and collaboration, South African agriculture may yet emerge more resilient and globally competitive.
As the US trade policy tightens, South Africa must adapt quickly — or risk economic pain. Steenhuisen warns of Trump tariffs impact on agriculture — and the nation must listen.
Five South African media references:
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TimesLIVE – “Steenhuisen on budget vote and US tariffs”
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Business Day – “AGOA under threat as US imposes new tariffs”
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Daily Maverick – “SA agriculture braces for Trump’s trade moves”
