US Tariff Hikes Threaten Global South, Ramaphosa Warns At BRICS Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has raised alarms over unilateral tariff actions by the United States, warning that they are intensifying global protectionism and creating significant hardships for countries in the Global South.

Speaking at a virtual BRICS Leaders’ Summit convened by Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Monday, Ramaphosa highlighted the risks posed by the uncertain new trading regime.

“The uncertainty of the new trading regime has already negatively affected employment levels in South Africa and is an obstacle to economic growth,” he said.

BRICS Unity Key to Tackling Global Economic Challenges

Ramaphosa called on BRICS member nations to collaborate in addressing worldwide economic challenges.

He emphasized the importance of a coordinated response, saying, “South Africa remains firm that the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations at their core must be preserved until all member states are able to reach their developmental goals.”

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In response to growing protectionist pressures, South Africa is actively working with other African nations to consolidate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The South African leader stressed the WTO’s role over the past three decades in ensuring a level playing field in global trade: “Over the past 30 years, the WTO has worked to ensure a level playing field in global trade that is free, predictable and governed by a rules-based system.”

Our focus is on strengthening and collaboratively diversifying our trade and investment partnerships with Africa, Asia, the Gulf, the Americas and Europe.
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— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 8, 2025

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