Presidency concerned about new Trump tariffs

JOHANNESBURG - The Presidency said it was concerned about the newly imposed US tariffs, calling them punitive and a barrier to trade.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled sweeping global tariffs, saying it was payback for unfair trade policies.

South Africa will face 30% tariffs but the Presidency said that the country remained committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with Washington.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya: "Unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity. The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US, as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty."