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South Africa Tariff Rates 2026: 10% on US Imports

Updated 2026-07-24

Effective Rate

10%30%

As of 2026-07-24, US imports from South Africa carry an effective tariff of about 10%. This combines the 10% Section 122 baseline applied to all countries, with Section 232 metals tariffs of 50% on steel and 50% on aluminum charged separately. The rate fell from 30% after the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs in February 2026, so importers who paid the higher rate between April 2025 and February 2026 may qualify for refunds. The 10% Section 122 tariff (effective Feb 24, 2026) expired at its 150-day limit on July 24, 2026 and was replaced the same day by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (10%, or 12.5% for higher-tier economies).

Last verified July 24, 2026 · Source: USITC HTS · Section 122 / 301 / 232 · run your exact numbers

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Updated Feb 21, 2026: IEEPA tariff (was 30%) struck down by SCOTUS Feb 20. Replaced by the 10% Section 122 tariff (Feb 24), which expired at its 150-day limit on July 24, 2026 and was replaced the same day by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (10% or 12.5% by economy). Base rate 30% → 10%. Section 122 expired July 24, 2026 and was replaced by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff.

Imported from South Africa between Feb 2025 and Feb 2026? You may be owed an IEEPA tariff refund under the Supreme Court’s ruling. Estimate in 60 seconds.

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Did You Import From South Africa?

If you imported goods from South Africa between April 2025 and February 2026, you likely paid the 30% IEEPA tariff that was later ruled unconstitutional. You may be owed a refund.

Example: $50,000 in imports from South Africa at 30% ≈ $10,000 in potential IEEPA refund (plus statutory interest)

Calculate your exact estimate →IEEPA refunds for South Africa imports →

Section 122 Tariff

10%

was 30% (IEEPA)

232 Steel

50%

232 Aluminum

50%

Section 232 rates shown apply to articles wholly of steel, aluminum, or copper. Since the April 6, 2026 restructuring, qualifying derivative products are dutied at 25% on their full customs value rather than 50%. Verify your product’s classification — the exact 232 treatment depends on HTS code and metal content.

Rate dropped from 30% (IEEPA) to 10% (Section 122, Feb 24–Jul 24). Section 122 expired July 24, 2026, replaced by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff — South Africa is in the 12.5% tier.

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South Africa Import Tariff Overview

South Africa saw one of the largest tariff reductions from the SCOTUS ruling — its rate plunged from 30% (IEEPA) to 10% (Section 122), a 20-point drop that dramatically improves competitiveness for BMW X3/X4 vehicles, platinum group metals, wine, and other exports. US imports from South Africa total approximately $12B annually, and AGOA preferences (currently under congressional review for renewal) provide additional duty relief on qualifying products.

South Africa is the largest US trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa and the most industrialized economy on the continent. There is no bilateral FTA, though South Africa benefits from AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) preferences on eligible products — AGOA's current authorization is under congressional review, and its expiration would significantly impact South African exporters. South Africa is a member of BRICS and has extensive mining resources. The automotive sector is a standout: BMW's Rosslyn plant is the sole global production site for X3 and X4 models, making South Africa a critical node in BMW's supply chain.

Key Products Imported from South Africa

Top imports include vehicles (BMW X3 and X4 are exclusively manufactured at BMW's Rosslyn plant), platinum group metals (South Africa produces over 70% of global platinum supply), diamonds, iron and steel, manganese, wine (particularly Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions), citrus, and macadamia nuts. South Africa is also a significant source of palladium and rhodium for catalytic converters.

Recent Changes

Feb 20, 2026: Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs 6-3; South Africa's rate plunged from 30% to 10% under Section 122 authority (effective Feb 24; scheduled to sunset ~July 24, 2026). A massive 20-point reduction — one of the largest rate drops globally. Section 232 metals tariffs apply at 50% on articles wholly of steel/aluminum and 25% on derivative products (both on full customs value, after the April 6, 2026 restructuring). AGOA eligibility provides additional preferential access for qualifying products, but AGOA's authorization is expiring and congressional renewal remains uncertain. BMW X3/X4 vehicles from Rosslyn now face a much more competitive 10% + 2.5% MFN rate instead of the old 32.5% combined burden.

Tips for Importers

The 20-point tariff reduction is transformative for South African exports. BMW X3/X4 vehicles from Rosslyn now face 12.5% total (10% Section 122 + 2.5% MFN) versus the old 32.5% — a dramatic improvement, though still higher than US-built alternatives. Check AGOA eligibility for qualifying products to potentially eliminate MFN duties on top of the lower Section 122 rate. South African wine (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) is now far more competitive at 10% Section 122 versus the old 30%, narrowing the gap with Chilean FTA-duty-free wines. Platinum group metals classification varies by processing stage. Monitor AGOA renewal closely — its expiration would remove preferential MFN treatment on qualifying goods.

How Are US Tariffs on South Africa Imports Calculated?

US import duties on goods from South Africa are determined by multiple overlapping tariff authorities. The base layer is the 10% Section 301 forced-labor tariff, which replaced the expired 10% Section 122 tariff on July 24, 2026 and applies to most countries without a separate trade deal. Section 232 tariffs of 50% on steel and 50% on aluminum apply to metals imports, regardless of the Section 122 rate.

To calculate the total duty on a specific import from South Africa, use our US import duty calculator or landed cost calculator for a complete estimate including Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). You can also compare South Africa rates with other countries to evaluate sourcing alternatives.

Already importing from South Africa? If you paid the higher pre-SCOTUS IEEPA rate in 2025, you may be able to claim an IEEPA tariff refund. And if you re-export or manufacture with imported goods, duty drawback can recover up to 99% of the duties you paid — both are separate from the rates above.

See tariff rates for:

Electronics Clothing & Apparel Footwear Automobiles & Parts Steel & Aluminum Food & Agriculture Furniture Machinery & Equipment Pharmaceuticals Plastics & Rubber Toys & Games Energy & Batteries Textiles & Fabrics Chemicals

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Browse South Africa Tariffs by Product Category

Ch. 27: Mineral Fuels, Oils0.5% avg MFN Ch. 30: Pharmaceutical Products0% avg MFN Ch. 39: Plastics4.2% avg MFN Ch. 61: Knitted or Crocheted Clothing14.5% avg MFN Ch. 62: Woven Clothing12% avg MFN Ch. 72: Iron and Steel1.8% avg MFN Ch. 73: Articles of Iron or Steel3.5% avg MFN Ch. 84: Machinery2% avg MFN Ch. 85: Electrical Machinery2.5% avg MFN Ch. 87: Vehicles (not Railway)2.5% avg MFN

Compare South Africa with Other Countries

South Africa vs India

Calculate Duty from South Africa

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Guides for South Africa Importers

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much did South African tariffs drop after the SCOTUS ruling?

South Africa's rate plunged from 30% (IEEPA) to 10% (Section 122), a 20-percentage-point reduction — one of the largest drops globally. For a $50,000 BMW X3 imported from South Africa, this saves approximately $10,000 in tariffs. The reduction is particularly significant for vehicles, wine, and agricultural exports.

Are BMW X3 and X4 vehicles from South Africa now more affordable?

Significantly so. BMW's Rosslyn plant is the sole global production site for X3 and X4 models. The total tariff dropped from 32.5% (30% IEEPA + 2.5% MFN) to 12.5% (10% Section 122 + 2.5% MFN). This 20-point reduction translates to thousands of dollars in savings per vehicle, though US-built BMW models (X5, X7 from Spartanburg) still avoid tariffs entirely.

What happens to South African exports if AGOA expires?

AGOA expiration would remove preferential duty-free or reduced-rate treatment on qualifying South African products, increasing costs on agricultural goods, textiles, and certain manufactured items. With Section 122 at 10% (and potentially expiring in July 2026), AGOA renewal is critical for maintaining competitive access to the US market. Congressional action on AGOA remains pending.

Is South African wine more competitive after the tariff reduction?

Yes. South African wine now faces 10% Section 122 (down from 30% IEEPA), dramatically narrowing the price gap with Chilean wines (FTA duty-free) and Australian wines (AUSFTA duty-free). Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wines are now viable competitors in the US market, though FTA-origin wines still have a tariff edge.

Note: Rates shown do not include potential anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD), which may apply to specific products and can significantly increase total duty. Consult a customs broker for product-specific rates.