Mashatile Warns Trade War Tariffs Will Hurt Consumers as Trump Hikes Duties Again

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has cautioned against retaliatory trade war tactics after US President Donald Trump imposed new tariff hikes last week, warning that ordinary consumers will pay the price.

Speaking at the Ahmed Kathrada Legacy Business Breakfast in Illovo, Gauteng, on Monday, Mashatile urged restraint, confirming that the South African government would pursue a diplomatic route in response to the US’s increasingly protectionist “Make America Great Again” policies.

“We want to engage the Trump administration… Even before this issue of tariffs, the President [Ramaphosa] was planning to send a delegation to the US,” Mashatile said, referencing efforts to repair strained relations following lobbying trips by AfriForum and Solidarity.

Mashatile revealed that South Africa has already been hit with 30% tariffs on exports to the US, with President Trump reportedly claiming this was a “discount” from an original 60%.

While countries in Europe and Asia have responded to similar US tariffs with retaliatory measures, South Africa is holding back.

“We think that kind of trade war tariff is not helpful. At the end, the people who are going to be victims are the consumers — both in South Africa and the US,” said Mashatile.

South Africa Urges Caution and Dialogue

Mashatile confirmed that Pretoria will continue to press for open dialogue and avoid escalating tensions that could damage both economies. However, he noted that if diplomacy fails, South Africa will reconsider its stance.

“Let’s try that. If it doesn’t work, we will review [it],” he said.

G20 Presidency and Middle East Solidarity

Mashatile also touched on other pressing issues, including South Africa’s G20 Presidency, emphasizing a continental approach under the theme “solidarity, equality, and sustainability.”

He called for greater self-reliance and enhanced trade with other partners like India and China, noting that while the US remains a major trading partner, diversification is essential.

“Nothing says we shouldn’t be intensifying our trade relations with India, China, and other countries,” he stated.

On international solidarity, Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa’s support for Palestine, linking it to the country’s own history of overcoming apartheid.

“We are not going to sit idle when other people are persecuted. That has been our moral stance all the time.”

Diplomatic Patience Over Economic Fallout

In a time of rising geopolitical tensions and tariff disputes, Mashatile’s message was clear: South Africa is choosing diplomacy over economic aggression, for the sake of its citizens and long-term stability. However, the window for cooperation may not remain open indefinitely.

{Source News 24}

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