South African authorities have warned that an estimated 30,000 jobs are at risk due to reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, which is the country’s third-largest trading partner after the European Union and China. The warning comes just days before a 30% US tariff on most South African imports takes effect on 8 August.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition disclosed on Monday that the elevated tariffs have triggered serious concerns for the future of key export sectors and prompted an urgent search for alternative markets outside the US.
“We base this on the ongoing consultations that we have with all the sectors of the economy from automotive, agriculture and all the other sectors that are going to be impacted,” said Simphiwe Hamilton, director-general of the department. He warned that if the situation was “mismanaged”, tens of thousands of jobs could be lost.
South Africa is already battling high unemployment, with a jobless rate of 32.9% recorded in the first quarter of 2025, according to the national statistical agency StatsSA. Youth unemployment worsened to 46.1% in the same period, up from 44.6% at the end of 2024.
In his weekly letter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the urgency of adapting to the new tariff regime, warning that the impact could be far-reaching for the economy and for industries heavily reliant on US exports.
“As government, we have been engaging the United States to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US,” he wrote. “Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries. We will continue to engage the US in an attempt to preserve market access for our products.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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