Citrus Growers call on Ramaphosa to intervene against looming 30% US tariff
With a 30% US tariff on South African exports looming, the Citrus Growers' Association has urged President Ramaphosa to intervene,
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
With a 30% US tariff on South African exports looming, the Citrus Growers' Association has urged President Ramaphosa to intervene, warning of severe consequences for rural citrus growers and local economies.
In a statement issued to the media on Monday, the association expressed deep concern over the potential impact on jobs.
"This week, with the tariff deadline on Friday, is one of great anxiety for the citrus growers in the Western and Northern Cape. These two provinces annually export about 7 million cartons to the US," Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the CGA said.
The association has also appealed to Ramaphosa to "urgently facilitate an extension of the current 10% US tariff beyond 1 August, which would allow for negotiations toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement".
"If a general extension of the deadline is not possible, an urgent request for a specific extension for seasonal fresh produce should be secured. Seasonal fresh produce is perishable and cannot be stored for extended periods, like other trade products.
"The midpoint of the 2025 export season has just been passed, which means hundreds of thousands of cartons of citrus are ready in packhouses to be shipped to the US over the next few weeks. The implementation of a 30% tariff on 1 August will mean most of this fruit will be left unsold".
IOL previously reported that South Africa is currently scrambling to secure a trade deal with the US government, with the Department of Trade and Industry confirming that it has not managed to sign "any substantive agreement yet".
"We have not signed any substantive agreement yet. The document signed was a precedent condition document," Ministerial spokesperson Kaamil Alli said.
"This is a precursor to the finalizing of the negotiations, which are ongoing".
CGA Chairman Gerrit van der Merwe warned also that the proposed tariffs threaten the economic backbone of Citrusdal and the Cederberg, with ripple effects on jobs, local businesses, and vital social services.
"Local growers have also said that a 30% tariff could not only stifle future growth, but lead to the eventual destruction of between 500 and 1,000 ha that would simply become unprofitable," Van der Merwe continued.
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