Trade colonialism? How US tariffs are reshaping South Africa's economic future

By Thabo Makwakwa | Published Apr 9, 2025

South Africa faces challenging trade conditions with a 32% tariff on exports to the US under Trump's policies. Political analyst Dr Sandile Swana warns that countries seeking favourable trade terms with the US must accept a subordinate position, urging South Africa to diversify its trading partners and develop local economies instead of relying on Western markets.