South Africa's presidency says new tariffs imposed by US underscore the need to negotiate a new bilateral trade deal with Washington to ensure long-term trade certainty.

US President Donald Trump unveiled global reciprocal tariffs on most goods imported to the United States on Wednesday.

Trump imposed a 30% rate on South Africa. "The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US, as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty," the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.

The latest tariffs are in addition to the 25% imposed on all vehicles and car parts imported into the US, which will kick in from Thursday.

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South Africa's exports of vehicles and parts into the United States are estimated at over $2 billion and could be hard hit by the levies.

"Whilst South Africa remains committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, unilaterally imposed and punitive tariffs are a concern and serve as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity," the President's office added.