Citrus growers urge Ramaphosa to intervene over looming US tariff
The association warned that this tariff would severely harm rural citrus growers and local economies.
Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the CGA, expressed deep concern about the looming deadline this Friday.
He explained that growers in the Western and Northern Cape, who annually export about 7 million cartons to the US, face a critical week.
The CGA urged Ramaphosa to urgently secure an extension of the current 10% US tariff beyond 1 August.
Ntshabele said this extension would allow negotiations toward a trade agreement that benefits both countries.
He stressed the importance of either a general extension or, if that is not possible, a specific extension for seasonal fresh produce.
'Seasonal fresh produce is perishable and cannot be stored for extended periods like other trade products,' he added.
The association noted that growers had just passed the midpoint of the export season and had prepared hundreds of thousands of cartons for shipment to the US.
Implementing the 30% tariff on 1 August would leave most of this fruit unsold.
IOL reported that South Africa is scrambling to secure a trade deal with the US.
The Department of Trade and Industry confirmed that it has yet to sign 'any substantive agreement.'
Ministerial spokesperson Kaamil Alli explained that the signed document only serves as a precedent condition. Marking a step before finalising ongoing negotiations.
Gerrit van der Merwe, CGA Chairman, warned that the tariffs threaten the economic backbone of Citrusdal and the Cederberg.
He stated that the tariffs would impact jobs, local businesses, and essential social services.
Van der Merwe added that local growers have indicated a 30% tariff could not only halt future growth but might also lead to the destruction of 500 to 1,000 hectares of citrus orchards, which would become unprofitable.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
South Africa faces economic repercussions from new US tariffs
The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has expressed deep concern over the impending 30% import tariff that the United States plans to impose on certain South African exports, effective from August 7. Image: IOL Graphics/Se-Anne Rall The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition has expressed deep concern over the impending 30% import tariff that the United States plans to impose on certain South African exports, effective from August 7. This significant development has raised red flags about the potential repercussions for key sectors of the South African economy. During a recent meeting in June, the committee engaged with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to assess the state of South Africa's trading relationship with the US, as well as with other international partners. The newly announced US tariffs, which will affect multiple countries alongside South Africa, have serious implications for strategic sectors such as automotive, agriculture—particularly citrus—and steel, all integral to South Africa's economic fabric and job market. Historically, South Africa has enjoyed a robust trade relationship with the United States, which stands as the country's second-largest trading partner. In 2024, South African exports to the US accounted for approximately 8% of the nation's total global exports, valued at around R156.6 billion. This export composition is telling, with around 43% comprising manufactured products, predominantly autos and vehicle components, alongside mining commodities (50%) and agricultural goods (7%). Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ As the largest importer of US goods in sub-Saharan Africa, the South African economy has been bolstered by mutual trade benefits, generating a trade surplus with imports valued at about R120.2 billion in 2024. This partnership has fostered an environment where over 600 US companies, including prominent names like Ford, Coca-Cola, and Google, operate in South Africa, contributing to job creation on both sides: 132,000 jobs in South Africa and 7,000 in the US from South African corporations. In light of the new tariffs, the committee has raised alarms regarding the direct impact on the competitiveness of South African exports. The additional tariff will likely inflate prices for South African goods in the US market, potentially eroding demand and disrupting established value chains. Such changes could lead to declines in local production and significant job losses if alternative markets cannot be secured. There is also concern over how the tariffs may alter the current composition of South African exports. With approximately 43% of South African goods destined for the US being manufactured products, any reductions in this sector could pose severe challenges, especially when compared to the 38.7% of global exports that consist of manufactured goods. To mitigate these risks, South Africa recently introduced the 'Butterfly Strategy,' aimed at fostering industrialisation and diversifying trade partnerships. Key components of this strategy include a focus on product and market diversification, enhanced trade negotiations, and streamlined protocols to adapt to global challenges. The committee, alongside the government, urges renewed negotiations with the US, emphasising the crucial need for a viable trade and investment agreement to tackle ongoing issues.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Afrikaner refugee reveals car wash job: 'Be prepared to work!'
Afrikaner 'refugee' Errol Langton has advised South Africans hoping to resettle in the US to accept low-paying jobs. He's also warned them not to have unrealistic expectations about their new lives abroad. The IT business owner and part-time 'leafy green farmer' swapped his life in Johannesburg to live in Birmingham, Alabama. He now works at a local car wash. Langton was amongst the first group of white South Africans who applied for the refugee resettlement programme. In February, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order, granting refuge to Afrikaners or 'minorities', over his claims of 'racial discrimination' and 'persecution' in South Africa. Speaking in an interview with US intelligence expert Chris Wyatt, Errol Langton revealed that he had taken a job at a local car wash in Birmingham. Langton, who owned an IT business in South Africa, advised fellow refugee applicants to 'come over and be prepared to work.' He said, 'Take what you can get now and work on what you want later. Don't get here and want the $50-an-hour job; take the $15-an-hour job so that you can get on your feet. 'Take the low-paying job to start with and then build to what you want. I promise you, in a year's time, you will be there.' Errol Langton stated that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had given resettled refugees a 'starter loan' and aid to get on their feet. Several of his family members had already secured jobs just days into their stay, he claimed. He continued: 'If you play the victim card, you will not fit in. You will not be a part of society. 'It's not discrediting what has happened to you. If you get that out of your system and show that you've taken the opportunity that you've been given, and you go work hard on it, you can open any door. The opportunities are endless.' He also warned South African 'refugees' not to expect the same lifestyle in the US either. He said, 'There is nobody to clean up after you. If you make a mess, you clean it up. 'I don't care if you're 18 or 80, if you've got to do something, you do it. You can pay someone else to do it, but that is going to cost you'. According to various immigration and recruitment agencies, South African migrants flock to countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, the US, and New Zealand. These first-world countries offer the prospects of high living standards, thriving economies and job markets, and communities of South African expats. For immigrants, or refugees, there is a high demand for skilled labour in sectors like engineering, construction, IT, healthcare, finance, and education. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Chinese scholarships awarded to South African students
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, and the Chinese Embassy hosted a send-off ceremony for South African students who have been awarded Chinese government scholarships for 2025. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Chinese Embassy in Pretoria hosted a send-off ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate South African students who received 2025 Chinese government scholarships, highlighting the importance of educational cooperation and cultural exchange. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, congratulated the students on being awarded scholarships sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). A total of 11 South African students received the Chinese government scholarship, while eight students were awarded the Academic Education Programmes scholarship. The students were admitted to top-tier Chinese universities, pursuing degree programmes in fields essential to South Africa's national development, such as cybersecurity, engineering management, biological sciences, and healthcare. Wu encouraged them to immerse themselves in China's rich culture, witness its breathtaking landscapes, and experience the country's modern civilisation, including high-speed rail, digital payments, smart cities, and cutting-edge technologies. "Your experience will prove that choosing to study in China is the right decision," he said. He expressed appreciation to China's partners, including the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education. "Educational cooperation is an integral part of the China-South Africa All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era," Wu said. He said the Chinese government scholarship served as a vital source of momentum for people-to-people exchanges, supporting South African youth in broadening their horizons, enhancing their capacities, and realising their dreams. Thandazo Sithole, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed her excitement about starting her studies abroad. She said she had always dreamed of doing something special, particularly in innovation and technology, and saw this scholarship as an opportunity to pursue her aspirations. Sithole described the scholarship as more than just an academic opportunity, but a chance for access, representation, and rewriting the narrative for African youth. On behalf of her fellow recipients, she said: "We are not just going to China as students, we are going as ambassadors of our country. This is an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a new culture, learn cutting-edge skills, and gain new ideas that can help shape a better world." Sandisa Maqubela, deputy director at the Department of Higher Education and Training's National Skills Fund, said the partnership between the department and China began in 2012 with an agreement to send 10 students to China and Sweden. While she acknowledged the department's value for its strategic partnership with China, she also noted that the current intake of students for 2025 was relatively small. "As the National Skills Fund, we also like to increase the number to the numbers that we previously had. I think pre-Covid we had more than 50 students who were based in China. Our commitment is that we really want to increase the number of young South Africans who are keen to become part of the global economy," she said.
