South African products exported to the US will face a 30% tariff from 8 August, President Donald Trump has announced. South Africa is the only country from sub-Saharan Africa singled out in the announcement, reflecting his strained relationship with Cyril Ramaphosa's government.

South Africa has tried for months to negotiate a deal with Washington and offered to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas and invest in American industries in exchange for a lower tariff.

South Africa’s government is preparing a package to support companies vulnerable to US reciprocal tariffs as it continues talks with Washington on a new trade deal.