Local manufacturer kisses goodbye to R750m exports

South African companies are already starting to feel the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs, with one losing R750 million in export contracts overnight.

- Faizel Patel

Trump ordered the reimposition of varying tariffs on dozens of trading partners, including South Africa, on Thursday – his cornerstone strategy for reshaping global trade to benefit the US economy.

The rand fell to its lowest level in three months, while thousands of jobs in SA are in danger.

The US president has warned of slapping an additional 10% on the BRICS nations and any other economy aligned with the grouping.

Jendamark Automation, based in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, is among several businesses that export high-level manufactured goods and agricultural products like ostrich leather and raisins to America, but whose products have become 30% more expensive overnight.

Managing director Siegfried Lokotsch told City Press that the impact had been swift and severe.