Trump Administration Proposes 12.5% Tariff On South African Imports Over Forced Labour Concerns

South Africa could face higher trade costs in the United States after the Trump administration proposed a new 12.5% tariff on imports from countries it says have failed to adequately prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering their markets.

The proposed measure forms part of a wider trade initiative targeting dozens of economies following an investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

According to the USTR, South Africa is among more than 40 countries that have not implemented or effectively enforced measures prohibiting the importation of goods linked to forced labour.

Trump Administration Targets South Africa With Proposed 12.5% Tariff

The Trump administration’s tariff proposal follows a review that examined how trading partners address goods produced through forced labour.

US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer said countries that fail to tackle the issue create an unfair environment for American workers.

“The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labour is unacceptable. This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field,” said Greer.

He added that while some countries had taken steps to address the issue, more action was required.

“Some trading partners have taken initial steps to prevent the importation of forced labour goods, including through USMCA and commitments in agreements on reciprocal trade. However, each of our trading partners must do more to ensure that trade does not perversely encourage and entrench forced labour globally.”

South Africa Included In Countries Facing Higher US Tariffs

Under the proposal, economies that already have measures aimed at restricting forced labour imports would face an additional 10% tariff.

Countries falling into that category include the United Kingdom, the European Union, Bangladesh and Canada.

South Africa, however, was placed in a separate category alongside countries such as China, Nigeria, Japan and New Zealand. The USTR proposes a 12.5% tariff for nations it believes have failed to establish or effectively enforce a forced labour import prohibition.

“USTR found that South Africa has failed to impose and effectively enforce a forced labour import prohibition.

“For all other economies, the US trade representative proposes 12.5% as the rate of additional duty,” the statement said.

Greer stressed that the United States intended to address what it views as unequal trade conditions.

“We will no longer tolerate this disparity,” he said.

The USTR also proposed a textile mechanism that could allow a specified volume of apparel and textile imports from certain countries to enter the US under a reduced Section 301 tariff rate.

US Report On South Africa Opens Public Comment Process

The findings were outlined in a report released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative titled Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies Related to the Failure to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labour.

The report acknowledged that South Africa has labour, anti-trafficking and customs legislation that could potentially address forced labour concerns. However, the USTR argued that these laws do not amount to a specific prohibition on importing goods produced through forced labour.

“Some comments suggest that South Africa’s existing labour laws, anti-trafficking laws and customs laws provide a legal framework for South Africa to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour.

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“A legal framework that could provide a basis for a forced labour import prohibition, however, is distinct from a measure that forbids the importation of goods produced with forced labour legally.”

The report concluded: “For the foregoing reasons, the results of this investigation indicate that the acts, policies and practices of South Africa related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a forced labour import prohibition are unreasonable and burden or restrict US commerce.”

The proposal comes ahead of the expiry of the temporary 10% tariff currently applied to South Africa and several other countries on 24 July 2026.

Before any decision is finalised, the USTR will allow for public participation through written submissions and hearings.

“To be assured of consideration, interested persons should submit requests to appear at the hearings, along with a summary of testimony by June 22,” the statement said.

“Written comments are due by July 6, 2026.”