South Africa’s agricultural export sector is celebrating a significant victory following a U.S. Executive Order issued on 14 November 2025. The order removes the burdensome 30% “reciprocal tariff” that was imposed earlier this year on a range of South African goods.
The tariff rollback, which took effect retroactively from November 13, 2025, is aimed at easing rising grocery prices for U.S. consumers by exempting products the United States either does not produce or cannot produce in sufficient quantities. This decision restores market competitiveness for several critical South African commodities.
Macadamia Exporters Cheer Removal of 30% Duty
The South African Macadamia (SAMAC) confirmed the immediate and major relief for its members.
According to SAMAC and a detailed legal note, South African macadamia nuts—including both in-shell (HS code 0802.61) and shelled (HS code 0802.62)—have been officially exempted from the additional duty. This means exports revert to facing only the standard Most-Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates.
While the administrative process to fully incorporate this change into the U.S. Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) is pending, the effect is already in force. Exporters are advised that while U.S. importers may still be technically liable to pay the additional duty upon entry, they are entitled to a full refund of the reciprocal tariff once the legislative amendments are formalised.
Citrus Industry Gains Competitive Edge Ahead of 2026 Season
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) was swift to welcome the inclusion of oranges in the tariff exemption list. The CGA noted that the 30% tariff had hit toward the end of the 2025 season, but the removal is crucial for the 2026 season, which begins in April.
CEO Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele emphasised that the exemption makes South African oranges competitive again in the U.S. market, a crucial trading partner. South African citrus exports to the U.S. were valued at approximately R1.8 billion in 2024. For the Western Cape, which has exclusive access to that market, the U.S. accounts for about 20% of its total citrus exports. The CGA is now actively lobbying for the exemption to be extended to other popular exports, such as mandarins, to prevent price spikes and supply shortages.
Wider Relief for Beef, Coffee, and Other Food Groups
The Executive Order extends beyond nuts and oranges, providing widespread relief for South Africa’s agro-processing sector. The list of exempted products includes:
Beef: Fresh, chilled, and frozen beef imports are now exempt from the reciprocal tariffs.
Tropical Products: A variety of high-value agricultural goods, including coffee, tea, cocoa, mangoes, avocados, pineapples, tomatoes, and various spices (such as nutmeg), also received exemptions.
By removing the 30% tariff, the U.S. has effectively restored the profitability and market viability for these South African exports. This policy reversal is expected to mitigate potential job losses across the agricultural value chain and reinforce the complementary nature of the trade relationship between the two nations. The South African government continues to use diplomatic channels to work towards a comprehensive long-term trade deal.
Partial Relief: High Tariffs Still Weigh on Key Exports
High-value exports such as table grapes and wine remain subject to the crippling 30% reciprocal tariff. With the table grape export season now beginning, retaining market share in the U.S. will be a significant challenge for these producers.
Furthermore, ongoing trade negotiations are crucial for long-term certainty. Should the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) not be renewed, these exports could face tariffs of approximately 33%, making South African products uncompetitive against rivals like Chile and Peru, which face significantly lower duties of around 10%.
The partial tariff rollback, therefore, marks a necessary reprieve, but one that highlights the challenging trade environment that still awaits several of South Africa’s key agricultural sectors.