U.S. Tariff Pressure Fails to Halt Growth, South Africa's Automotive Exports Hit Record High

The South African Automotive Business Council released a report on the 17th indicating that although U.S. tariffs have impacted South Africa’s automotive industry, exports still grew in 2025, reaching a record high. In its latest quarterly review of the automotive manufacturing sector, the South African Automotive Business Council stated that South Africa exported a record 414,300 vehicles to 109 countries and regions worldwide in 2025, a 5.9% increase from 2024. The report shows that due to U.S. tariffs, South Africa’s automotive exports to North America decreased from 25,600 units in 2024 to 6,530 units in 2025. During the same period, South Africa’s total automotive exports to Asia fell from 29,300 units in 2024 to 19,800 units, mainly due to decreased exports to Japan. Additionally, South Africa’s exports to Europe increased from 295,800 units in 2024 to 332,700 units, accounting for 80.3% of South Africa’s total automotive exports in 2025. Norman Lamprecht, Chief Trade and Research Officer of the South African Automotive Business Council, said in the report that despite increased protectionist actions in several major South African export markets, the country’s automotive exports have demonstrated resilience. (Xinhua)