The duties increase tariffs on South African imports from 10% to 12.5% under Section 301 of the US Trade Act. Pretoria has rejected Washington's decision, insisting South Africa's legal framework against forced labour meets international standards. The United States accounts for about 4% of South Africa's agricultural exports, which were worth US$15.1 billion in 2025. However, Sihlobo said South Africa's competitors, including Australia, Peru and Chile, are facing the same tariff level, limiting the country's competitive disadvantage. "We forget that just a few months ago we were hit by much higher tariffs in the U.S. 30% tariffs.