The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) strongly condemns the latest wave of “reciprocal tariffs” announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which include a devastating 30% tariff on South African exports to the United States.
These protectionist measures, dressed up as economic nationalism, are a direct threat to South African jobs, global trade stability, and the livelihoods of workers across the developing world.
IMPACT ON SOUTH AFRICA: JOBS UNDER THREAT
South Africa’s export-driven sectors — including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and minerals — are particularly vulnerable. Trump’s new tariffs on South African goods risk:
• A reduction in GDP growth by up to 0.2%, according to independent economists,
• Significant job losses in key industries already strained by domestic austerity and global instability
• Increased pressure on the balance of trade and foreign reserves.
This comes at a time when workers are already under assault from domestic austerity, wage suppression, and structural unemployment.
TRUMP’S TARIFFS: AN ATTACK ON GLOBAL SOUTH ECONOMIES
Trump’s trade war isn’t limited to South Africa. His administration has launched a coordinated tariff offensive targeting multiple economies:
• China: total tariffs raised to 54%,
• European Union: now facing 20% tariffs,
• Japan: hit with 24% tariffs,
• Vietnam: the hardest hit, with 46% tariffs.
These measures violate the spirit of international trade cooperation and escalate the risk of retaliatory trade wars that will disproportionately hurt workers in the Global South.
U.S. WORKERS WILL SUFFER TOO
Trump’s rhetoric may win political points, but U.S. workers are also at risk:
• Consumer prices will rise due to costlier imports — hitting working-class households hardest.
• Export-driven U.S. jobs (in agriculture, manufacturing, and services) are vulnerable to retaliation.
• Global supply chains will face disruption, slowing economic growth and investment.
• Currency markets may grow unstable as investor confidence is undermined.
Trump’s tariffs are not a strategy for justice — they are a recipe for global recession.
SAFTU CALLS FOR A WORKER-CENTRED RESPONSE
SAFTU stands in international solidarity with workers affected by this reckless trade war. We call on the South African government to:
1. Launch urgent diplomatic engagement with U.S. officials to challenge and reverse the tariff imposition.
2. Diversify South Africa’s export base, reducing reliance on the U.S. market and building stronger ties with Africa, BRICS partners, and other regional blocs.
3. Support affected workers and industries, including through just transition measures, retraining, and investment in local production capacity.
4. Join global efforts to reform trade rules, putting workers, climate justice, and equity before corporate and nationalist interests.
TRADE MUST SERVE PEOPLE, NOT POLITICIANS OR PROFITEERS
The world cannot be held hostage to the whims of U.S. political cycles. A just trade system must be based on equity, sustainability, and democratic participation — not unilateralism and bullying.
SAFTU remains committed to building worker-to-worker solidarity across borders, and to resisting both global and domestic economic policies that deepen inequality and instability.
We reject tariff nationalism. We reject global austerity. We demand trade justice now.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
A Statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
For more details, contact the National Spokesperson at:
Newton Masuku
066 168 2157
Newtonm@saftu.org.za
