International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola says the government has chosen not to retaliate against the 30% US tariffs, due to awareness of the complex geopolitical environment.

Lamola says the government is exploring a framework that will allow competing firms to collaborate on sharing market information among other measures through a Block Exemption.

He says a draft Block Exemption will be published by the end of this week to fast-track the process.

Addressing a joint ministerial media briefing in Germiston, Lamola says the government’s response is not a sign of weakness despite what he described as extreme provocation.

“It was because of our understanding of the complexity of the geo-environment, because we are talking about the livelihoods and jobs of people that are at stake. So that’s why we focus on the ball, on the negotiations, on the framework; we did not want to focus on the speculations. Whether it’s because of BEE or affirmative action, or any other politics that have not been brought to the negotiation table,” he adds.

VIDEO | Government outlines its official response to US tariffs

We are proactively and collaboratively diversifying our trade portfolio. Through the coordinated action of the @PresidencyZA, @DIRCO_ZA , and @the_dtic , we’re making significant inroads into new, high-growth markets across the world #SAinAction #EconomicResilience… https://t.co/OvKMf0Pd0e

— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) August 4, 2025

Lamola has urged South Africans to exercise patriotism whenever they travel outside the country. He says the country is facing turbulent times due to the current trade relations with the US government.

South Africa is responding to US tariffs with a comprehensive plan. The 30% tariff recently announced by the Trump administration will take effect this Thursday, 7 August.

“All of us as South Africans, irrespective of our political affiliations, whether you’re an opposition, NGO, business, or in government, GNU partner, or anything, once you get out of South Africa, we all have the responsibility to promote the national interest of SA in a positive way. Particularly, when the stakes are high, like now during these complex negotiations with the US. It is against that background that I said the approach that the President and the SA government have taken of being measured in refraining. Even out of extreme provocation, sometimes it’s on the basis of the understanding of what is at stake,” adds Lamola.