Pretoria, Gauteng, SA – In response to “one of the most persistent and damaging waves of foot and mouth disease (FMD) the country has seen in decades”, the Department of Agriculture plans to vaccinate the entire national cattle herd, according to a press release on 26 November.

FMD affects the leather value chain because reduced slaughter means fewer hides for the tanning industry.

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, said a national cattle herd vaccination would position SA to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of freedom with vaccination status.

“This strategy aims to vaccinate South Africa’s national herd systematically, beginning with the hardest-hit provinces, namely: KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West, which will submit their livestock numbers, as well as their number of quarantined farms. This plan, however, will rely on a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply.

“To this end, Minister Steenhuisen confirmed that the government is working closely with the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) on the formalisation of public-private partnerships with domestic industry and international partners, including China and Argentina, who have already offered technical cooperation and support regarding vaccine provision.

“Minister Steenhuisen further stressed that the success of the FMD response depends not only on vaccines but also on law enforcement. Uncontrolled movement of animals remains the single biggest threat to the national containment efforts.” 

Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA – FINALLY, someone (SAFLEC in this case) has seen the light. From DAY 1, I have been at pains to explain to people that a "blanket" system to the tariff structure makes zero sense. The HS system has to be used. e.g. I can import alligator skins (raw / crust or dyed finished) at 0% duty from the USA. SA Nile crocodile skins (any form) exported to the USA are now at 30%. Both fall under tariff code 4103.20.00 Tanned, dyed reptile skins. There is no disruption to the alligator industry from our Nile skins. I like a Ferrari, you prefer a Chrysler. If you do not make it, how can you apply a punitive tariff? The high-end watch makers from Switzerland face the exact same dilemma as us here in SA.

There is a very important background issue to be taken into consideration. For the crocodile skins industry (and many others). The fewer skins sold, the farmers will grow fewer animals, and it is ultimately the employees who are retrenched that suffer. I assure you all the farmers are at the edge as it is, prices are not great, and inputs increase each month.

Please do not get me started on the fools who say, "ah just find markets elsewhere". They have zero idea how long that takes. The USA makes up 30% of my sales. It has taken me 4 years to establish a solid working relationship with my distributor. The market in the East is very fickle. Africa is not a large market for crocodile skins. I have 1 buyer in Nigeria, and a few small operators here in SA. I also find it "strange", 3 days after the 30% came into effect, that 2 of my buyers from Asia called. Re my offers June/July, they will consider the skins at a 20% discount. Co-incidence NOT.

According to Reuters, the EU and the United States struck a framework trade deal in late July but only the baseline tariff of 15% has so far been implemented. The EU is still waiting for the White House to issue executive orders to cover carve-outs, such as on the automotive industry.

Carve outs??

It can be done. DT (his advisors) will eventually/hopefully see the error in the process and adjust accordingly. 

The SA Footwear & Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) is urging the SA Government to request a return to duty-free exports of leather, footwear and leather goods exports to the United States, arguing that South Africa is not a significant contributor to the US’s imports, but that they nonetheless create jobs in SA.

In an email on 31 July to industry associations, clusters and stakeholders in the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (CTFL) sectors, the Bilateral Trade Desk of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) asked for comments on “a possible initial offer to the US of tariffs equal to those of the EU”.

SAFLEC executive director Nerisha Jairaj argued that wouldn’t work for the sectors her council represents.
“In short, when compared to EU rates, we are fine when access is duty-free, but in the HS codes calling for 10% and 20% tariffs (same as EU) put us at a disadvantage versus other African exporters, so we asked for a parity check,” she wrote.
“For reference, U.S. general tariffs are roughly:
• Ch. 41 (raw hides/leather): 4–6%
• Ch. 42 (handbags/leather goods): 8–20% (handbags ~8–10%)
• Ch. 64 (footwear): 8–10% for leather, up to 37.5% for some non-leather lines

“With AGOA we were duty-free. Compared to 0%, these hikes are a serious setback — especially in handbags and footwear, where margins are already tight. We also highlighted that our sector is not the U.S.’s biggest threat, and argued for a better agreement given its labour-intensive, high-employment potential.

“We suggested also it may be worth looking at U.S. import stats on footwear and leather goods into South Africa, and whether a bilateral agreement could be considered.” 

Mossel Bay, W. Cape, SA – Around 20% of our ostrich leather sales are destined for the USA. Our clients use the leather to manufacture exotic leather cowboy boots. Because our clients in the USA cannot buy the ostrich leather from local (USA) tanneries, we feel that this raw material should be exempted from tariffs. 

Durban, KZN, SA – The recent imposition of a 30% tariff by the United States on select imports, including leather and footwear products, marks a significant obstacle for South African exporters. Coupled with ongoing political uncertainty at home, this development threatens to undermine hard-won progress in expanding global market access for South Africa’s leather and footwear industries.

Political instability has complicated logistical planning, policy consistency, and investor confidence—issues that directly impact our ability to export efficiently and competitively. At a time when global buyers seek reliability, predictability, and quality, these domestic challenges cast a long shadow over our ambitions.

Yet, amid these adversities, our resolve remains unshaken. South Africa continues to offer exceptional craftsmanship, competitive capabilities, and abundant raw material resources—attributes that make us a natural hub for global sourcing. More than ever, we are doubling down on promotion efforts, engaging international stakeholders, and reaffirming our message: South Africa is open for business and rich with opportunity.

We are steadfast in our efforts to position South Africa as a world-class sourcing destination for leather and footwear. This includes enhancing our visibility at international trade platforms, deepening partnerships, and working collaboratively across the value chain to improve resilience and capacity.

In the face of rising tariffs and internal headwinds, our message to the global market is clear: we are not stepping back. We are stepping up.