South Africa’s trade and industry minister on Monday warned that the 30 per cent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States could threaten tens of thousands of local jobs.
“We have based this on the ongoing consultations we have had with various sectors of the economy, from automotive to agriculture and beyond, that are likely to feel the impact,” said Simphiwe Hamilton, Director General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“At this point, we are looking at around 30,000 jobs that could be on the line, especially if the situation is not carefully managed,” he added.
Last Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing new tariff rates for several countries, just hours before the August 1 deadline he had set for finalizing trade agreements.
While certain countries saw adjustments to their tariff rates, South Africa’s levy remained unchanged at the proposed 30 per cent, placing it among the top five hardest hit nations under Trump’s new trade penalties.
