Commercial farmers organisation, Agri Western Cape, has expressed concern over the announcement of a 30% US tariff increase on South African exports set to take effect next month.

This comes after US President Donald Trump announced that goods from South Africa will be subject to a 30% tariff increase from August 1st.

Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom says this will have a severe impact on the agricultural sector in the province.

The announcement has sent shockwaves through the local wine industry, valued at over R650 million annually.

Strydom has appealed to the government, especially the Department of Agriculture, to assist in establishing new markets.

“In 2024, we exported around R488 million worth of agricultural produce to the United States. Not only from the province but the country. But for the primary agricultural sector in the Western Cape, it will have a severe impact, given the fact that under the AGOA agreement, it was a non-tariff agreement,” says Strydom.

VIDEO | Discussion | Trump announces 30% tariffs for SA imports