The South African Farmers Development Agency SAFDA says the US-imposed 30 percent tariff increase on the countrys imports will cripple many farmers especially in the sugar cane growing industry in KwaZulu-Natal KZN.
In the provinces Post Budget Speech Consultative Engagement, SAFDAs Chairperson Dr. Siyabonga Madlala called on government to help businesses to secure alternative international markets.
The agricultural sector especially in KZN and we have a master plan which is aimed rescuing the industry, but now that Trump introduced the tariffs and I see this undermine the AGOA and we are losing the lucrative market we have been enjoying for years. 24 000 tons now will be at risk which will be not exported to America but I must say we are surviving adverse as you know.
Meanwhile, responding to the tariffs matters, KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa says that whilst this matter is being handled at national level, the provincial government is also engaging all relevant stakeholders.
"There are two major crucial issues that are affecting the communities in the province, that is FMD and tariffs but we need to discuss with relevant people which are farmers and to explain to them that although we are affected as KZN but it is the national issue and the president together with finance minister are dealing with that so that they don't feel isolated."