South Africa seeks new US trade deal after tariff hike

South Africa's push comes after the Trump administration imposed global reciprocal tariffs on imports. South Africa's presidency says new tariffs imposed by US underscore the need to negotiate a new bilateral trade deal with Washington to ensure long-term trade certainty. US President Donald Trump unveiled global reciprocal tariffs on most goods imported to the United States on Wednesday. Trump imposed a 30% rate on South Africa. "The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US, as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty," the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday. The latest tariffs are in addition to the 25% imposed on all vehicles and car parts imported into the US, which will kick in from Thursday. TRT Global - US expulsion of ambassador 'regrettable': South Africa The expulsion of South Africa's ambassador to the US comes after Trump signed an executive order cutting aid and assistance to the South African government.