In United Arab Emirates, Zawya reported that South African sugar cane growers are facing mounting pressure from both international tariffs and low-cost imports, forcing some to make difficult decisions about staffing and production.
US President Donald Trump’s tariffs hit South Africa’s exports to the U.S., which had previously benefited from a duty-free quota of 24,000 metric tons under the African Growth and Opportunities Act. While this represents only around 5% of total exports, the U.S. market has historically offered higher prices and supported domestic employment, according to the report.
The South African Cane Growers’ Association is urging the government to negotiate a trade deal with Washington to protect exports and jobs, the report added.
“If we don’t have good trade relationships with the U.S., it’s going to be detrimental, not just to our sector, but to many others as well,” said Pratish Sharma, a member of the association’s board.
South Africa’s sugar industry is valued at roughly $1.42 billion and supports over 300,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
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Tags: South Africa, sugarcane
Category: Food & Agriculture
