US expels South Africa’s ambassador and tightens visa restrictions as Ramaphosa warns of devastating job losses from trade deal loss

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the nation to get ready for a potential loss of duty-free trade access to the U.S. as diplomatic tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.

Bilateral ties have deteriorated since President Donald Trump took office, with Washington cutting aid, expelling South Africa’s ambassador, and berating Ramaphosa in the Oval Office over discredited claims of a “white genocide.”

Washington in mid-September announced restrictions on visas for South Africans who promote “race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation in South Africa” — all issues that are disputed between the two countries.

I need, as president, to prepare us if it ever happens.

Ramaphosa stated that the impact on jobs would be “devastating” if South Africa is excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). He noted that he and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have been traveling globally to explore alternative markets.

Within AGOA, Washington exempts South African cars from customs duties. After precious metals, cars are the country’s second-biggest export earner to the United States. In 2025, the automobile employers’ organisation Naamsa reported that 86,000 jobs were directly tied to the accord at car manufacturers, a number that increases to 125,000 when including the broader supply chain.