Government 'examining' impact of US tariffs on SA - Ramaphosa

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa said that government was still "examining" the tariffs imposed on South Africa by the United States of America.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a slew of what he called reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries across the world.

The US will impose a 30% tariff on all goods entering the country from South Africa.

This decision follows claims by the US government that South Africa is imposing a 60% tariff, a statement that’s been debunked by government and several experts.

Speaking at an African National Congress (ANC) event in Johannesburg on Sunday, Ramaphosa said it was too early to determine the implications of these tariffs on the country's economy.

"The United States, like any other country, is a sovereign country and they are entitled to take decisions however way they like, like ourselves. We are a sovereign country and we can decide on any matter that has to do with our international dealings with others, so it is within our right, as it is their right, to impose tariffs and we are examining the impact of those tariffs on us."