Automotive industry braces for impact of Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs on South Africa

THE South African automotive industry is reeling from the announcement of a potential 30% tariff on automotive exports to the United States, expected to take effect in the coming days.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This move by President Donald Trump has sparked warnings from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of up to 30 000 job losses, with industry leaders voicing deep concerns over the implications for the nation’s economy.

Renai Moothilal, the CEO and Executive Director of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam), on Monday said that they were deeply concerned about the potential impact on South African automotive exports to the US.

“In 2024, South Africa exported R28.7 billion worth of automotive products to the US, of which R4.4 billion was attributable to automotive components,’ Moothilal said.

“The US ranked as the country’s third-largest export destination for automotive goods, following Germany and Belgium.