The United States' so-called "reciprocal tariff" policy weaponizes trade as a political tool, targeting countries that oppose its diplomatic stance, said a South African economist in an interview.
This sentiment follows U.S. President Donald Trump's signing of an executive order imposing a 30 percent tariff on imports from dozens of countries, including South Africa.
The policy, part of a broader U.S. strategy to address perceived trade imbalances, has sparked concerns about its political motives and impact on international trade relations.
In an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Azar Jammine remarked that although the tariff increase is framed as an "economic measure, " he believes it is fundamentally driven by a political agenda.
"I believe the South Africa will be imposed the 30 percent tariff increase and a lot of that is for political reasons. There are a number of things that have upset the Americans about South Africa. The fact that South Africa called Israel to the International Court of Justice on grounds of genocide and the fact that South Africa is the government is pursuing a policy of black economic empowerment, and according to the Americans, embarking upon a policy of 'white genocide'," said Jammine.
South Africa's trade ties with the U.S., traditionally supported by agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), have come under increased pressure. As South Africa strives to remain competitive in global markets, the tariff presents new challenges.
In response, South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition issued a statement on July 31 outlining emergency measures to assist affected exporters. These include consulting services, market guidance, and strategies to diversify trade partnerships. The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting domestic employment and ensuring resilience in key export industries, including automobiles, agriculture, and steel.
The statement highlights that tariff escalation poses a direct threat to South Africa's export capacity, urging a swift and strategic response to maintain the nation's trade competitiveness.
Expert highlights political agenda behind US tariffs on South Africa
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
