South Africa is facing serious job losses due to new import tariffs from the United States. These tariffs were announced when Donald Trump was president. They are planned to start on 1 August.
Lesetja Kganyago, head of the Reserve Bank, warned on 702 radio. He said agriculture and car industries could face serious damage.
How Tariffs Will Affect Agriculture Jobs
Kganyago said low-skilled farm workers are most at risk. The tariffs will hit citrus fruits, grapes, and South African wines.
These items form a big part of South Africa’s agricultural exports. If exports drop, farmers will not be able to afford the same number of workers.
Kganyago said 35 000 citrus jobs are already at risk. This affects small towns like Citrusdal that rely on fruit exports to the US.
Farmer groups also warned about risks to macadamia nut, fruit juice, and ostrich leather producers. These industries support thousands of families in rural areas.
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Impact on Car Exports and Manufacturing
Tariffs on cars are also a major concern. South African vehicle exports to the United States dropped by over 80% after earlier US import duties in April.
Kganyago said this is a red flag. If these losses continue, the country could lose close to 100 000 jobs.
Many car factories in South Africa rely on US buyers. When demand falls, factories reduce staff or shut down entire lines. This affects not only factory workers but also supply chains across the country.
Unemployment Is Already a Big Problem
South Africa already has one of the highest jobless rates in the world. The official unemployment rate was 32.9% in the first quarter of this year. The expanded definition, which includes discouraged workers, stood at a shocking 43.1%.
With the US tariffs kicking in soon, these numbers could get worse. Many of the threatened jobs belong to workers with limited skills or education, making it harder for them to find new work.
Communities on Edge as Deadline Nears
The 1 August tariff deadline is near. Farming towns are preparing for hard times ahead.
Experts believe that unless alternative markets are found quickly, job cuts will begin. This could deepen poverty and spark unrest in affected areas.
The government has no rescue plan yet for affected workers. Many families are worried and do not know what will happen next.
Table: Key Sectors Affected by US Tariffs
| Sector | Main Products | Jobs at Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Citrus, grapes, wine | 35 000+ |
| Automotive | Vehicle exports | Up to 65 000 |
| Fruit Processing | Juices, macadamias | Several thousand |
| Leather Exports | Ostrich leather | Unclear |
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Hi, I’m Amandeep Singh, a content writer at Ramnath Intercollage. I share updates on jobs, internships, and scholarships across South Africa using official and trusted sources. My aim is to make every post easy to read and helpful for anyone looking to apply.
