Dar es Salaam, Aug. 14 -- When Washingtons 30% tariff on South African goods took effect on 7 August, outrage was the easy emotion. The better response is discipline. Within days, Pretoria set out a five-pillar plan that blends firm diplomacy with market diversification and practical support for businesses. If we execute with urgency and transparency, this shock can become the push we needed to reset and broaden our export mix.

Keep talking, not shouting

The first pillar is engagement, not escalation. Cabinet has approved a revised offer that answers the issues highlighted by the US Trade Representative in its 2025 National Trade Estimates. The logic is straightforward: clear the technical hurdles, keep negotiations alive, and create ro...