South Africa seeks US tariff exemption over forced labour probe

Johannesburg,UPDATED: Jul 11, 2026 20:16 IST

South Africa has asked the United States to exempt it from proposed tariffs linked to a US investigation into whether countries are properly enforcing bans on imports made with forced labour. It has argued that it already has strong laws in place to prohibit the practice.

A South African delegation appeared before the Office of the US Trade Representative in Washington this week as part of the probe, which is examining whether at least 60 economies are adequately enforcing such bans. South Africa also urged the US not to impose a proposed 12.5 per cent tariff on its exports.

The delegation, led by South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said the country has ratified key Labour Organisation conventions that prohibit forced labour. It said South African law also allows authorities to block imports produced using forced labour, and that goods made through prison labour are already banned under domestic law.

South Africa asked for exemptions for key exports including platinum group metals, vehicles, citrus, seafood, wine and nuts, saying there was no evidence that these products were made using forced labour. The move comes at a time when trade ties between Washington and Pretoria have faced repeated strain in recent years over tariffs, South Africa's domestic policies and differing positions on several conflicts, including the war in Gaza.

South Africa has long enjoyed duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a trade programme that has supported billions of dollars in exports from sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is due to expire unless it is renewed by the US Congress. Trade Minister Parks Tau said the US remained an important trading partner and that the government would continue to engage with Washington on the probe and on other issues, including existing US tariffs on steel, aluminium and automobiles. After the hearing, the US trade office allowed time for additional submissions by Thursday before making a decision.

In sum, South Africa told the US that its laws already ban forced labour-linked imports and sought relief from the proposed tariffs, while also pushing for exemptions for major export sectors as both sides continue to deal with wider trade tensions.

With PTI Inputs

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