tariffs Archives - MDNtv

US Trade Investigation Highlights Risks of South Africa’s Current Foreign Policy, Freedom Front Plus Warns

Hlakaniphile Magadlela — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:36:48 +0000

The United States has announced it will launch a Section 301 investigation into South Africa and 59 other countries to examine possible unfair labour practices in goods exported to the US. This move signals growing frustration in Washington with the ANC’s handling of economic and foreign policy matters.

Section 301 gives the US authority to impose tariffs or other measures on countries it considers discriminatory or unfair to American interests. Policies such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and uncertainties over property rights under the Expropriation Act could come under scrutiny.

Tensions have risen after South Africa rejected US conditions for improving trade relations and maintained strong ties with countries like Iran and Russia. Public hearings for the investigation will begin in April and could lead to new tariffs or affect AGOA trade benefits.

Experts warn that such measures could threaten thousands of jobs in export-reliant sectors, including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and mining—an alarming prospect for a country with unemployment exceeding 40%.

Freedom Front Plus leader Dr. Corné Mulder said the party’s warnings about the dangers of placing ideology above economic reality are now confirmed. “South Africa cannot afford to gamble with its economic future in the name of a reckless foreign policy,” he said.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post US Trade Investigation Highlights Risks of South Africa’s Current Foreign Policy, Freedom Front Plus Warns appeared first on MDNtv.

Trump Warns He Might Slap Tariffs on Countries Standing in the Way of U.S. Control Over Greenland

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 06:07:31 +0000

President Donald Trump has stirred up fresh controversy by suggesting he could impose new tariffs on any countries that refuse to support his push to bring Greenland under U.S. control. He made the comment during a White House roundtable on rural healthcare, saying something along the lines of: “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.”

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory under Denmark, but Trump has been vocal about why the U.S. should own it outright. He argues it’s crucial for American defense. Thanks to its strategic spot in the Arctic, between North America and potential threats from Russia or China. The location is perfect for early-warning missile systems and keeping an eye on ships in the region.

Here are some striking views of Greenland’s snowy capital, Nuuk, where colorful houses stand out against the winter landscape:

The U.S. already has a long-standing military presence there, with over 100 personnel at Pituffik Space Base (formerly known as Thule Air Base), a key missile-monitoring station operating since World War II.

Trump has talked about getting Greenland “the easy way” (like buying it) or “the hard way,” and he hasn’t ruled out stronger measures. Denmark has pushed back hard, warning that any military move would destroy NATO since the alliance is built on allies defending each other, not one attacking another.

European countries like France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and others have responded by sending small military teams to Greenland for reconnaissance and to show support. Most people in Greenland itself strongly oppose the idea of being bought or taken over.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers including Democrats and some moderate Republicans is visiting Denmark and Greenland right now. They’re meeting local leaders to listen to their concerns and try to “lower the temperature” back in Washington. Some lawmakers are even working on bills to block any U.S. annexation attempt.

The situation remains tense, with high-level talks between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials failing to bridge the gap so far. Trump’s special envoy has suggested the U.S. should negotiate directly with Greenland’s leaders rather than Denmark, insisting a deal will happen because the U.S. offers “liberty, economic strength, and protection.”

It’s a high-stakes standoff that’s putting strain on longtime alliances, all over this remote, resource-rich island.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Trump Warns He Might Slap Tariffs on Countries Standing in the Way of U.S. Control Over Greenland appeared first on MDNtv.

🔴 LIVE NOW: Donald Trump Speaks at House GOP Retreat

MDNtv — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:48:45 +0000

President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat in Washington on January 6, 2026, outlining priorities for the year ahead and the push toward the 2026 midterms. Trump also addresses the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa and shares an update on Rep. Jim Baird and his wife following a car accident.

Join MDNtv Membership to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWk6DQBYHf6rLP8VtMn0Xw/join

Visit here to stay informed with breaking news and in-depth coverage on MDNtv, your source for local and global stories: http://www.mdntvlive.com/

Support MDNtv on GlobalGiving:
Build the MDNtv Academy of Truth & Empowerment: https://goto.gg/72640
Help MDNtv Fight for GBV Survivors’ Justice: https://goto.gg/72638

𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWk6DQBYHf6rLP8VtMn0Xw?sub_confirmation=1

Important Link to Follow

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClWk6DQBYHf6rLP8VtMn0Xw/join

Stay Connected With Us.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdntvlive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdntv.live
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/mdnnewss
Website: http://www.mdntvlive.com/

For business inquiries: media@mdntvlive.com

=============================

A Slap in the Face to Trump: The EU-AU Summit Declaration Hits U.S. Interests

Partner Feature — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:15:27 +0000

In the final Declaration of the 7th EU–AU Summit, adopted on November 25, 2025, in Luanda under the chairmanship of Angolan President João Lourenço, there is a passage about “volatility of tariffs and uncertainty in trade policy” that in Washington will almost certainly be perceived as a direct and undisguised criticism of the United States. The tariffs are quite unambiguously contrasted here with the “stability and predictable rules” that Europe supposedly offers to African countries.

“We emphasize that growing uncertainty in trade policy and tariff volatility in global trade pose a challenge to the world economy. In this context, trade relations between Europe and Africa remain a source of stability,” reads paragraph 11 of the Declaration.

Just a year ago, the situation was fundamentally different. In December 2024, Luanda was visited for the first time in history by the previous U.S. President Joe Biden. The reception was warm, almost ceremonial: they spoke of an “important turning point” in relations and investments. João Lourenço then looked genuinely pleased—finally, the United States had truly taken notice of Angola. Now, however, Lourenço has clearly decided to side with Europe—most likely succumbing to the loud populist promises of his European “friends.”

The question is how far this quiet drift of Luanda toward Brussels will go. The Declaration of the 7th Summit is, for now, just words. But words uttered at this level have a habit of growing into concrete political commitments and contracts.

And if European “stability” ultimately proves more expensive than American “uncertainty,” Angola will have to humiliatingly return to its former harbor—with its tail between its legs and without any diplomatic excuses.

It will be interesting to see how Trump himself takes this “slap in the face,” especially since not long ago he congratulated Angola on the 50th anniversary of its independence, emphasizing “growing collaboration” in energy and investment and inviting Lourenço to Washington.

After all, the final declaration is not just a diplomatic gesture: Lourenço, who has positioned Angola as a leader in Africa, is now calling into question its multipolar foreign policy, sacrificing ties with the United States for the sake of European illusions of “stability.”

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post A Slap in the Face to Trump: The EU-AU Summit Declaration Hits U.S. Interests appeared first on MDNtv.

Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada After Ontario’s Anti-Tariff Ad Sparks Fury

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:48:21 +0000

US President Donald Trump has abruptly ended all trade discussions with Canada after an advert sponsored by Ontario’s government criticized his tariff policies.

The one-minute commercial featured the voice of former US President Ronald Reagan warning that tariffs “hurt every American.” The message angered Trump, who called it “FAKE” and “egregious,” announcing on social media that trade negotiations were “hereby terminated.”

The advert used clips from Reagan’s 1987 radio address about free trade, rearranging parts of the speech to make a case against tariffs. While it did not alter Reagan’s words, the Ronald Reagan Foundation said the video “misrepresents” his original message and noted that permission had not been granted to use the material.

Trump’s administration has imposed heavy tariffs — including a 35% levy on many Canadian imports and additional taxes on metals and automobiles — measures that have severely affected Ontario’s economy. Despite efforts by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to renegotiate fairer trade terms, relations have remained strained.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a vocal opponent of Trump’s trade approach, defended the advert, saying his province “will never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada.”

The controversy comes as the US Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariffs, a decision that could impact billions in collected duties.

This marks the second time Trump has halted trade negotiations with Canada, following a previous dispute over a digital services tax on US tech companies.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada After Ontario’s Anti-Tariff Ad Sparks Fury appeared first on MDNtv.

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Decide on Tariff Powers

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:45:08 +0000

Donald Trump has turned to the US Supreme Court in a bid to defend his sweeping tariffs on foreign imports.

The move follows a lower court ruling that many of the tariffs went beyond presidential authority and intruded on Congress’s exclusive power to set taxes. If upheld, the decision could unravel large parts of Trump’s trade policy and force the government to refund billions already collected.

Trump imposed the tariffs under emergency economic powers, claiming that trade imbalances posed a threat to American manufacturing and national security. His measures included a baseline 10% tariff and “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at more than 90 countries, among them Canada, Mexico, and China.

While a federal appeals court struck down the tariffs, it delayed the ruling from taking effect, giving Trump time to appeal. His legal team argues the case has enormous stakes, warning that undoing the tariffs could destabilize trade negotiations and weaken the country’s economic defenses.

Small businesses that brought lawsuits against the tariffs say they have suffered severe financial harm and are confident the courts will ultimately rule in their favor.

If the Supreme Court refuses to take the case, the lower court’s ruling will go into effect in mid-October.

“Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Trump Asks Supreme Court to Decide on Tariff Powers appeared first on MDNtv.

South Africa Scrambles to Shield Economy as US Slaps 30% Tariffs on Exports

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:06:25 +0000

South Africa faces a major economic challenge as the United States announces 30% tariffs on South African exports, set to take effect on 7 August. This development threatens billions in trade and could lead to significant job losses, particularly in key sectors like agriculture, automotive, and steel.

The South African government has responded with a series of emergency measures aimed at softening the blow. A new export support desk has been launched to help affected companies find alternative markets and navigate the changing trade landscape. Officials have also proposed a trade package to the US in a last-minute attempt to secure a more favourable deal.

Trade officials warned that the tariffs would directly impact almost $10 billion worth of goods, including cars, aluminium, citrus, and wine. Although some exports—like platinum group metals—remain exempt due to US demand, the bulk of industrial and agricultural products are now at risk.

The situation has sparked political finger-pointing at home. The government accuses opposition leaders of undermining efforts to secure a resolution, while critics argue that poor diplomacy and weak trade strategy left South Africa vulnerable.

Efforts to salvage the situation have included offers to buy American gas, open up South African markets to US agricultural products, and increase South African investment in American industries. However, observers believe the core issue is political rather than economic, tied to South Africa’s international alliances and policies like Black Economic Empowerment.

The president of the United States made it clear that no further extensions will be granted, calling the tariff decision final and “a big day for America.”

With around 7.5% of South Africa’s exports headed to the US, the country must now urgently diversify its markets. However, experts say it won’t be easy. For instance, citrus exporters already ship to over 100 countries, and few offer prices that match the US.

Economic analysts are calling for a full reset of trade policy. There’s growing consensus that South Africa should lean more on African trade blocs and build regional financial institutions to support intra-African commerce. But while these long-term shifts are debated, short-term realities loom: some factories have already temporarily closed, and thousands of jobs are at risk.

The road ahead is unclear. Negotiations continue behind closed doors, and though some hope remains for a revised agreement, many fear that South Africa’s days of preferential access to the US market are over.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post South Africa Scrambles to Shield Economy as US Slaps 30% Tariffs on Exports appeared first on MDNtv.

Trump Slaps New Tariffs on Five More Countries, Including South Africa and Malaysia

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:09:38 +0000

President Donald Trump has announced a fresh wave of tariffs on goods from five additional countries, ramping up his administration’s tough trade approach. The new tariffs will take effect on August 1 and include 25% duties on imports from Malaysia and Kazakhstan, 30% on South African goods, and a steep 40% on products from Laos and Myanmar.

These latest measures come just hours after Trump imposed similar tariffs on Japan and South Korea, bringing the total to seven new countries in a single day. The full list of tariff changes is expected to grow, with more announcements anticipated in the coming days.

In letters addressed to each of the affected countries, Trump warned that if they choose to respond with their own tariff hikes, the U.S. will simply add that amount to the existing 25% rate. He argued that the tariffs are necessary to correct what he describes as unsustainable trade deficits and to revive American manufacturing.

The move has already rattled global markets, with investors reacting sharply to the sudden escalation in trade tensions. The White House has defended the tariffs as part of a broader effort to bring jobs back to the U.S. and protect domestic industries.

While companies are currently dealing with a 10% blanket tariff on imports from over 180 countries, Trump had previously introduced much higher tariffs in April—some of which were paused for 90 days due to market backlash. That pause is set to end on July 9, but the administration is expected to extend the deadline to August 1 to align with the latest announcements.

Trump has also warned that countries aligned with the BRICS bloc—which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—will face an additional 10% tariff, with no exceptions.

Despite promises of rapid progress, the administration has struggled to finalize trade deals. Only two agreements—one with the UK and another with Vietnam—have been secured so far, with a framework in place for talks with China.

Still, White House officials maintain that the timeline shift is not a setback but a strategic move to ensure the best possible outcomes for American workers and businesses.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Trump Slaps New Tariffs on Five More Countries, Including South Africa and Malaysia appeared first on MDNtv.

Joburg Electricity Tariffs Rise: What Residents Need to Know

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:52:41 +0000

From today, Johannesburg residents will be paying more for electricity and municipal services, as new tariffs for the 2025/26 financial year take effect.

City Power has announced a general electricity price hike of 12.4%. However, the actual increase will vary depending on the customer’s usage and tariff category. For those on the Residential Prepaid High tariff, the average increase will be just over 11%, though the monthly service fee remains unchanged at R200.

Despite the increase, there’s some relief for low-income households. City Power says it has measures in place to protect vulnerable residents from the full impact of the new rates. Customers registered under the city’s indigent support program will continue to be exempt from the R70 service charge and the R130 network capacity charge — saving them R200 each month. They’ll also keep receiving 50kWh of free basic electricity every month under the expanded social package.

Acknowledging the difficult economic climate, City Power says these efforts aim to shield the city’s poorest residents from further financial strain, while still allowing the utility to maintain and expand services across Johannesburg.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Joburg Electricity Tariffs Rise: What Residents Need to Know appeared first on MDNtv.

JD Vance Begins India Visit Amid Pressure to Secure Trade Deal and Ease US Tariffs

Tshepiso Mofokeng — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:43:48 +0000

US Vice President JD Vance began a four-day visit to India on Monday, where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both countries seek to finalize a trade deal and strengthen ties amid looming US tariff hikes.

The visit, which also includes personal elements such as a family trip to the Taj Mahal and a wedding in Jaipur, comes at a critical moment as New Delhi works to avoid steep US duties. Vance’s wife, Usha, has Indian roots, adding a personal dimension to the trip.

Vance arrived in New Delhi after visiting Rome, where he had a private audience with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.

Read:Two illegal foreign nationals to appear in court subsequent to their arrest during operation Vala Umgodi

On the agenda for his talks with Modi are issues outlined during the Indian leader’s February meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, including trade fairness and expanding defense cooperation. India has indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs on over half of its US imports, valued at $41.8 billion in 2024, in pursuit of a trade agreement.

Despite these efforts, the US president has criticized India over its trade policies, labeling it a “tariff abuser.”

India’s foreign ministry expressed optimism about the visit, stating it is expected to further enhance bilateral relations. The US remains India’s largest trading partner, with total trade reaching $129 billion last year, largely in India’s favor.

Officials in New Delhi are hoping to seal a trade deal within the 90-day grace period announced by Trump on April 9, temporarily pausing tariff hikes on key partners.

Vance’s trip is also being viewed as preparation for a later visit by Trump, who is expected to attend the Quad leaders’ summit hosted in India later this year.

Analysts see the timing of Vance’s visit as important, especially as US-China tensions rise and Vance takes on a more visible diplomatic role. While no formal agreements are expected during this visit, both nations aim to lay the groundwork for deeper defense cooperation, including possible deals on Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles.

Further discussions on defense procurement are likely to continue during an upcoming visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The post JD Vance Begins India Visit Amid Pressure to Secure Trade Deal and Ease US Tariffs appeared first on MDNtv.