In Citrusdal, South Africa, President Donald Trump’s proposed 30% tariff on South African exports is poised to negatively impact a group he has fervently supported: white farmers. Trump, under false pretenses of persecution of white South Africans, has reduced aid to the country, openly criticized its president, and encouraged Afrikaners to seek refuge in the U.S. However, for white farmers determined to continue their livelihoods in their homeland, the impending tariffs effective from August 1 pose a significant threat to their aspirations. Krisjan Mouton, a sixth-generation farmer in Western Cape province, expresses concern about the repercussions, stating, “It’s illogical to welcome South African farmers in America and then penalize those who stay behind.” The tariffs will jeopardize the profitability of exporting to the USA, impacting various sectors including citrus farming, wine, soybeans, sugar cane, and beef. The Africa Growth and Opportunities Act, which previously granted duty-free access to the U.S. market, has been nullified by the new tariff announcement, causing distress not only to white farmers but to all farmers and farm workers in South Africa. Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, emphasizes the detrimental effects the levy will have on communities that have long catered to the U.S. market. With the threat of job losses and economic instability looming, the industry is exploring alternative markets while still engaging in trade discussions with the U.S. government.
Currently, we are engaged in sorting and packing fruit at the 14,000-square-meter Goede Hoop Citrus warehouse. However, if the 30% levy continues, this operation may not be sustainable for long, according to managing director Andre Nel in an interview with Reuters. Nel expressed concerns about farmers facing bankruptcy and potential job losses within our sector. The thought of this outcome is distressing. (1 USD = 17.8568 ZAR) (Reporting by Wendell Roelf, Siyanda Mthethwa, and Nelson Banya; Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Joe Bavier)
