SA to submit revised tariff offer to Washington: Parks Tau


Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says South Africa will submit a revised offer for a trade deal to Washington. This, in an effort to lower the 30% tariffs that the US imposed on South Africa’s imported goods last week.

Tau says Cabinet has approved South Africa submit a revised offer as a basis for negotiations with the US. He was speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria with the Agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen.

“Government has been implementing a response anchored on five key elements: One, continued engagements with the United States to secure a deal and reduce the tariffs; Two, the diversification of exports to alternate markets; Three, economic response package to vulnerable companies and workers; Four, trade, defence against import, search and dumping; Five, demand side interventions,” says Tau.

He says a task team has been formed as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the 30% tariff imposed on the country.

“Cabinet has endorsed the economic response package that includes the establishment of an export task (team), which serves as a direct point of contact for affected companies. Thus far, 23 companies have utilised their export support desk and were assisted, in addition to queries processed,” says Tau.