South African sugar cane farmers to be hard hit by US tariffs
SAFDA warns that the US’s 30% tariff hike on South African imports will hit KwaZulu-Natal’s sugar industry hard, risking 24,000 tonnes of exports. Chairperson Dr Siyabonga Madlala urged the government to help find new markets, stressing the sector’s resilience despite losing a key trade opportunity.
The South African (SA) Farmers Development Agency (SAFDA) has stated that the United States (US)-imposed 30% tariff increase on the country’s imports will severely impact many farmers, particularly those in the sugar cane industry in KwaZulu-Natal.
During the province’s Post-Budget Speech Consultative Engagement, on Thursday, SAFDA Chairperson Dr Siyabonga Madlala called on the government to assist businesses in securing alternative international markets.
“The agricultural sector, especially in KZN, is under pressure. We have a master plan aimed at rescuing the industry, but now that Trump has introduced these tariffs, I believe this undermines African Growth and Opportunity Act. We are losing a lucrative market we have enjoyed for years. Twenty-four thousand tonnes are now at risk, they will no longer be exported to America. That said, I must emphasise that we are resilient and have survived adversity before.”
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Source : SABC News
