The hidden toll of tariffs and healthcare cuts on SA's vulnerable communities

FOREIGN AID

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JENNIFER REDDY The writer says South Africa has the world's largest HIV epidemic.

(Independent Newspapers Archives)

SINCE the beginning of his second term in office, President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on all US imports from global trading partners.

This action was swift and impactful, leaving many countries, including South Africa, grappling with the consequences.

While the South African government has taken a diplomatic yet bold stance in response, it has not produced the urgent economic results we need.

Last week, the US announced steep tariffs on key South African exports, coupled with cuts to essential funding for our health sector.

This should alarm everyone who worries each day about putting food on the table or affording medical care. What may seem like distant trade policies or foreign aid manoeuvring, is already affecting daily life in towns, townships and rural areas across South Africa.

To understand the economic impact of these tariffs, consider that a 25% duty on exported vehicles and increased levies on steel, aluminium, and agricultural goods — such as citrus and wine - threaten to reduce demand for South African products in one of our vital export markets.

This issue transcends big companies; it directly affects ordinary citizens, including working-class individuals. Factory workers, farm labourers, transporters and packers all rely on export orders for their livelihoods.

Reports indicate that if these tariffs remain in place and foreign demand continues to shrink, it could potentially impact over 70 000 jobs.

For families already stretched thin, the consequences are immediate and severe.

A laid-off factory worker might mean children have to skip extracurricular activities - perhaps this year’s school trip gets cancelled, or household spending is cut down to the bare essentials.