The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) on July 31 announced the launch of an Export Support Desk to serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the imminent 30% tariff hike on South African exports to the US, which comes into effect on August 1. 

The support desk is among urgent interventions being implemented by the dtic in its efforts to protect jobs, preserve market access in the US and promote export diversification to alternate markets in Africa, the EU, Asia, Latin America and other strategic partners.

The desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African Embassies and High Commissions abroad, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said in a statement.

"This tariff hike poses a direct threat to our export capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, agroprocessing, steel and chemicals among others.

"As government, we are fully committed to supporting our exporters through this challenging time. We are working with urgency and resolve to implement real, practical interventions that defend jobs and position South Africa competitively in a shifting global landscape.

"The stakes are high, and we must respond decisively to ensure our export industries remain resilient, competitive, and globally integrated into diversified markets," Tau said.

The dtic encouraged exporters to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and to visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support.

The dtic remains steadfast in its mission to assist local producers and safeguard South Africa’s trade interests amid growing global uncertainty, Tau stated.