South Africa Tariff Rates 2026: 10% on US Imports
As of 2026-06-14, 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 was ruled unlawful by the Court of International Trade in May 2026, but a Federal Circuit stay is keeping it in force pending appeal; absent that, it is set to expire around July 24, 2026.
Last verified June 14, 2026 · Source: USITC HTS · Section 122 / 301 / 232 · run your exact numbers
2-minute quiz · free · personalized
What's your South Africa tariff refund score?
The Supreme Court struck down the 2025 IEEPA tariffs and a $166B refund pool is open. See your personalized refund opportunity & filing roadmap.
Illustrative analysis only — not legal, tax, or customs advice. Eligibility and amounts are determined by CBP; filing is handled by licensed professionals.
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.
Estimate My Refund →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.
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.
Estimate Your South Africa IEEPA Refund
60-second free estimate. Based on the 30% pre-ruling rate.
Where did you import from?
Pick the country — we’ll calculate your refund rate.
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, expires ~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 Section 122 tariff at 10%, which applies to all countries and is set to expire around July 24, 2026. (The Court of International Trade ruled this tariff unlawful in May 2026; it remains collected under a Federal Circuit stay while the government’s appeal proceeds.) 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 tariff 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:
Compare with Alternative Sources
Browse South Africa Tariffs by Product Category
Compare South Africa with Other Countries
Calculate Duty from South Africa
Guides for South Africa Importers
Tariff rates change fast. Stay ahead.
Free alerts when US import tariff rates change. Join importers and trade professionals who stay informed.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did South African tariffs drop after the SCOTUS ruling?
Are BMW X3 and X4 vehicles from South Africa now more affordable?
What happens to South African exports if AGOA expires?
Is South African wine more competitive after the tariff reduction?
Related Product Categories
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.