South Africa's business community welcomes US court ruling on Trump's tariffs

South Africa's business community and trade experts have welcomed a ruling by the United States Supreme Court declaring tariffs imposed on various countries illegal.

The court found that the sweeping tariffs unilaterally imposed globally by the US since last year was done without the approval of Congress. The US has imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African exports, which took effect in August 2025, making South Africa one of the countries worst hit by the tariffs in Africa.

Wolfe Braude, fruit manager at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, described the judgment as a welcome development.

"The judgment is most welcome because it will lead to greater productivity. It will bring more predictability than the current situation, where the tariffs could change at any time. This means that the 30 percent tariff falls away and is replaced by 15 percent," said Braude.

Following the ruling, US President Donald Trump announced new 10 percent global tariffs, which he later increased to 15 percent, effective immediately. The measure is expected to remain in force for 150 days before a review by Congress.

Braude noted that the situation remains largely unchanged for African countries already facing around 15 percent tariffs. Countries that faced higher tariffs will now be in a similar position to South Africa.

South Africa exports many agricultural products such as raisins, fresh produce, and other fruits to the US. According to Braude, local exporters had been competing with South American countries that faced tariffs of about 10 percent.

"After the judgment, we are on equal footing, which is something we can manage," he said.

The ruling also raises the prospect of refunds for companies that were overcharged. Braude said the Supreme Court does not outline the refund process, meaning implementation details will have to be clarified by relevant trade authorities.

"We will wait for the methodology, implementation, and procedures to be highlighted and clearly set out by relevant bodies," said Braude.

Alan Mukoki, the chief executive officer of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the decision brings much-needed regulatory consistency, adding that the US cannot impose tariffs exceeding 15 percent for the next 150 days.

"We are happy about the situation. There were inconsistencies, and we didn't know if there would be pronouncements to punish or cajole, to make people toe the line. There is certainty now," Mukoki said.

Gideon Chitanga, a researcher at the Centre for Africa China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, also welcomed the judgment, saying the reduction from 30 percent to 15 percent provides relief and introduces predictability.

"The Trump administration has been weaponizing tariffs and using them to coerce other countries to comply with its economic demands. Now we have a workable arrangement. The 15 percent is the maximum he can impose, and Congress has to approve that," he said.

The US is scheduled to hold midterm elections in November to elect members of Congress and other officeholders.

Chitanga and Braude noted that political considerations ahead of the vote could influence future trade decisions.