Trump Tariffs Put 100,000 South African Jobs at Risk, Central Bank Warns

U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a 30% tariff on South African goods starting August 1 could lead to significant job losses, particularly in the agriculture and automotive sectors, according to South African central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago. The tariffs have already caused South African car exports to the U.S. to drop by more than 80%, threatening around 100,000 jobs overall, with agriculture—especially citrus fruit, table grapes, and wines—facing potentially devastating impacts. This is particularly concerning given South Africa's already high unemployment rate, which stood at 32.9% officially and over 43% by broader measures in early 2025. Farmer groups warn that the tariffs jeopardize 35,000 jobs in the citrus sector alone and threaten towns heavily dependent on U.S. exports such as Citrusdal in the Western Cape. The adverse effects extend to other agricultural products including macadamia nuts, fruit juices, ostrich leather, and wine. Without alternative measures, these tariffs could cause severe economic damage in sectors that employ many low-skilled workers in South Africa.