South Africa's Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe urged the mining sector to resist pressure from countries imposing tariffs and instead redirect supplies to nations with favorable conditions. He made these remarks during a meeting with G20 members focused on critical mineral resources in Sandton, Johannesburg, as reported by Mining Weekly.
"If being part of BRICS leads to the US imposing tariffs, it indicates the need to diversify our markets actively and not focus solely on those where tariffs are applied. We must sell our minerals where they hold optimal market value," Mantashe emphasized.
The minister also dismissed threats from the US to impose an additional 10% tariff on BRICS nations, including South Africa, stating that membership in the alliance is a strategic decision and not a reason for concessions.
"We are extracting resources while other countries are becoming wealthy, leaving us in poverty. It's time to put an end to raw material exports. Let's process resources locally and export finished products," Mantashe stated.
Earlier, the White House announced the implementation of tariffs of up to 50% on goods from several African countries, including a 31% tariff specifically on South African exports. The South African government expressed concern over these measures, labeling them as "unilateral and punitive," and called for negotiations towards a new trade agreement. Tensions have escalated since January 2025 following the enactment of a land expropriation law without compensation, which drew sharp criticism from former President Trump and led to a suspension of US aid.
