SACCI flags risks to South Africa’s trade performance amid tariff pressure. Image: Creamer Media via Engineering News.
(The Post News) -Ahead of trade talks with the United States, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) has warned of an alarming decline in the country’s trade performance.
SACCI’s latest survey shows that 60% of respondents reported more difficult trade conditions since August 2025, compared to earlier in the year. This largely stems from businesses beginning to feel the pressure of the 30% increase in U.S. tariffs.
Earlier in the week it was announced that Coca-Cola was the latest international company considering scaling down in South Africa, resulting in the retrenchment of 680 workers. The global giant company cited “financial constraints,” even though in July of 2025, they had spoken about investment and expansion plans.
The SACCI argues that the impact had initially been cushioned by short-term financial gains, likely stemming from interest rate cuts and the monetization of pension fund investments. CEO Alan Mukoki says the influx of retrenchment announcements allows us to now see the “real effect of global trade uncertainty.”
As business confidence falls from 69% in May to 58%, calls are mounting for immediate measures to alleviate the impact of tariff increases.
SACCI Backs Government Delegation for US-SA Trade Talks
The business and industry body voiced approval of the attendance of Ministers Parks Tau and Ronald Lamola in the U.S., where discussions are taking place ahead of next week’s UN Assembly. The ministers have been meeting with the U.S. Trade Council in pursuit of a mutually beneficial counterproposal, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed on Thursday.
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