SA BRACES FOR HEFTY 30% US TARIFF

'Up to 100 000 jobs at risk'

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA and MANYANE MANYANE

SOUTH Africans are bracing themselves for the ramifications of the hefty 30% export tariff to the US that is expected to come into effect today.

South Africa exports billions of rands' worth of goods to the US each year, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and wine.

These sectors employ thousands of workers, and the 30% tariff will render their products uncompetitive in the American market, placing immense pressure on producers and exporters.

South Africa has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with the US since May but is yet to agree on terms. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) said it awaits feedback from the US on the final status of the country's framework deal.

The department said it has been in a period of intense negotiations with the US and had signed a condition precedent document and “have readied our inputs for entry into the template which is to follow from the US”.