Concerns are mounting that a proposed 50% tariff on cars imported from China and India could push the prices of South Africa’s most affordable vehicles up by around US$2,500. Martlé Keyter, CEO of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), warns that it may now be “too late in the game” to introduce such tariffs, given the number of jobs supported through the sale of these imported vehicles.


By early 2026, 19 of South Africa’s 20 cheapest passenger cars were imported from China or India, with the only exception being the Kia Picanto from South Korea. Innocent Semosa spoke to Nicole Capper Austin, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cars.co.za.

Concerns are mounting that a proposed 50% tariff on cars imported from China and India could push the prices of South Africa&rsquo;s most affordable vehicles up by around US$2,500. Martl&eacute; Keyter, CEO of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), warns that it may now be &ldquo;too late in the game&rdquo; to introduce such tariffs, given the number of jobs supported through the sale of these imported vehicles.
 By early 2026, 19 of South Africa&rsquo;s 20 cheapest passenger cars were imported from China or India, with the only exception being the Kia Picanto from South Korea.&nbsp;Innocent Semosa spoke to Nicole Capper Austin, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cars.co.za.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks &amp; market updates.