SA directly impacted by US-Israel war on Iran: Tau

Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Parks Tau says South Africa is directly impacted by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Tau was participating in an urgent debate in parliament sponsored by Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane on the escalating crisis in the Middle East and the implications this has for South Africa.
The Minister told the House that the economic consequences of the war are grave regardless of political affiliation.
“It is a war that has a direct impact on us as a country. South Africa’s trade with the Middle East stood at 15. 4 dollars…a billion dollars in 2025, growing at eight percent annually. Our exports grew to fourteen percent last year. But it’s our exports that expose our strategic vulnerability. Over seventy percent, by value, its energy products from Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. We also export plastic copper and sulfur. With 93 percent of imports arriving by sea,” adds Tau.
Related video| Oil price remains volatile amid war in Middle East:

Similarly, Maimane has warned of the possible severe impact that the US-Israeli war on Iran will have on South Africa in the long run. He pointed to a possible increase in the price of essential goods including food.
“We need to speak strongly about the economic consequences of this issue. This conflict in the Middle East is going to be a conflict here. We are a lead importer of crude oil.”

Today we had an important debate in parliament on the unfolding events in the Middle East and the impact on South Africa and South Africans. I took this position on the issue. pic.twitter.com/1YS78VKUE9
— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) March 19, 2026

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