South Africa faces the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting Trump's strained relationship with the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been hit with a 15% tariff, which will also come into effect in seven days.

South Africa has tried for months to negotiate a deal with Washington and offered to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas and invest in American industries in exchange for a lower tariff.

The wave of US tariffs has begun to hit South African companies, with one alone losing R750 million in contracts overnight.