U.S. halts South Africa aid, adds tariffs
The New York Times reports that President Trump has halted U.S. foreign aid to South Africa, imposed 30% tariffs on South African imports, and said last month that South Africa will not be welcome at the 2026 G20 summit in Florida, citing alleged persecution of Afrikaners. The administration has also tightened refugee policy to effectively favor Afrikaners, while Afrikaner leaders gained unusual access to U.S. officials in Washington and Pretoria, including meetings with the vice president’s office and State Department.
📌 Key Facts
- U.S. imposed a 30% tariff on South African imports in 2025.
- The administration halted American aid to South Africa in 2025.
- In November 2025, Trump said South Africa would not be welcome at the 2026 G20 in Florida.
- Refugee policy was rewritten to make status virtually unobtainable except for Afrikaners, per the report.
- Afrikaner leaders, including Theo de Jager, met with the Office of Vice President JD Vance and State Department officials.
📊 Relevant Data
White South Africans, who comprise about 7.3% of the population, own 72% of farms and agricultural holdings in South Africa.
Land ownership in South Africa — the facts and figures, and figuring out the facts — Daily Maverick
In the fourth quarter of 2024/2025, there were 6 farm murders in South Africa, with 5 victims being Black and 1 White.
South African Government sets Record straight on Farm Crime — Department of International Relations and Cooperation
South Africa's overall murder rate is approximately 42 per 100,000 people.
Extreme Violence Without Genocide — The Atlantic
There were 37 farm murders in South Africa in 2024 and 45 in 2023.
Extreme Violence Without Genocide — The Atlantic
Black farmers account for approximately 10% of South Africa's commercial agricultural output, while White farmers produce the majority.
How South Africa’s agriculture has changed 31 years after apartheid — Wandile Sihlobo