South Africa has tried for months to negotiate a deal with Washington and offered to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas and invest in American industries in exchange for a lower tariff.

South Africa faces the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting Trump's strained relationship with the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been hit with a 15% tariff, which will also come into effect in seven days.

South Africa, which has a strained relationship with President Trump, is the only African country singled out in the announcement with a 30% tariff increase on August 7.