South Africa's aluminium aviation industry hangs in the balance amid US tariff uncertainty

THE fortunes of aluminium component manufacturers in South Africa's aviation industry hang on a balance from ripple effects of global supply chain disruptions arising from the US import tariffs.

- BANELE GININDZA

The integration of the local industry is sturdy enough to take up opportunities arising from the US' as the industry waits on the wings on the 90 day period for the review.

South Africa is a significant contributor to the manufacturing of aircraft with some local companies serving standing orders for manufacturing sections of the Airbus A321 Neo and another exporting popular recreational aircraft.

Analysts over the weekend said South Africa could be affected by the tariff confusion risks delaying shipments, even if the industry has not been directly targeted for duties.

Local companies that cannot be named because of sensitivity of trade manufactures sections of the wing of the Airbus A321 Neo, seats for Airbus, and the aircraft toilet section of the plane.