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South Africa has positioned Türkiye among its strategic priority target markets in response to the United States' 30% customs tariff set to take effect on Friday (Aug. 8), according to a statement from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
The South African government announced it has implemented a comprehensive strategy to develop relationships with alternative trade partners in response to the U.S. tariff increase.
The ministry described the new 30% U.S. customs tariff as an "incomprehensible" decision, particularly given South Africa's 25% share of U.S. imports, stating that it damages bilateral relations.
"We aim to make agreements that encourage value-added production and industrialization, rather than relationships that imitate the imposing trade relations of the colonial period and take away our country's capacity to evaluate its mineral wealth," the statement said.
The ministry confirmed South Africa will continue contacts with the U.S. to reach an agreement that would develop both countries' interests.
The statement noted that the new tariff regime could have a direct impact on the South African economy, making the shift to alternative markets a necessity.
This situation also presents an opportunity to develop new partnerships in previously underutilized markets, according to the ministry.
"In this context, Türkiye, along with Southeast Asian Nations Union (ASEAN) countries, is among the target markets with strategic priority," the statement said.
The ministry reported that significant progress has already been made in opening up to markets including the European Union, China, Thailand, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
South Africa maintains its position as Africa's largest economy as of 2025, with a gross domestic product exceeding $410 billion, according to International Monetary Fund data.
The country, known for its rich minerals, developed financial infrastructure and strong industry, is considered the continent's trade center.
Eight of Africa's 10 largest companies are South Africa-based, all trading on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The JSE, with a total market value of $1.3 trillion, has a larger volume than all other African exchanges combined.
South Africa, which holds the G20 presidency this year, is also a member of BRICS nations.
According to official data, bilateral trade volume between Türkiye and South Africa, Türkiye's largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, reached approximately $2 billion in 2024.
Of this trade:
Türkiye has approximately $100 million in investments in South Africa, primarily in the mining and textile sectors. South Africa plays a key role in Türkiye's strategy for expanding into Africa.
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