Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen says he is confident that the South African government will intensify its talks with its American counterparts to get them to reconsider the looming export goods tariff hike.

South African products exported to the US will be hit with a 30% tariff increase effective from midnight on Wednesday.

Steenhuisen, who is also Minister of Agriculture, was on the campaign trail at Douglas in the Northern Cape ahead of a by-election next month.

The DA leader was wooing voters from farming communities. He also used the meeting to assure farmers they have the government’s support.

“I am very concerned. I hope we can use the next seven days to try to see what we can do to avert tariffs until the negotiation is complete.

Steenhuisen confident US, SA talks will intensify and solve 30% tariff

“I think we have put this on the table for the United States and I think we have the makings of a good deal. I don’t think it’s necessary to apply the 30 percent until such time as we have an opportunity to explain it. I will continue to work with ministers to make the case why South Africa and the US need to have a relationship,” Steenhuisen adds.

SA govt to continue engaging its third-largest trading partner, the US: Lamola