Chante Hohip11 July 2025 | 8:07

What Trump’s 30% tariffs could mean for South Africans: 'Reduced salaries, maybe job losses'

Business journalist Lindsey Schitter tells 947’s Drive with Thando what the impact of Trump's tariffs on South African exports might be.

What Trump’s 30% tariffs could mean for South Africans: 'Reduced salaries, maybe job losses'

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs as US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick holds a chart during an event in the Rose Garden entitled "Make America Wealthy Again" at the White House in Washington, DC, on 2 April 2025. Picture: Brendan SMIALOWSKI/AFP

947’s Drive with Thando speaks with Lindsey Schitters, Business Maverick Journalist and CryptoCorner Newsletter Editor.

Listen below:

After much back and forth, US President Donald Trump on Monday (7 July) announced that imports from South Africa would be subject to a new 30% tariff as of 1 August.

In a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, he cited that it was due to his strained relationship with the Trump government, which, Trump says, has been 'far from reciprocal'.

RELATED: Trump set to impose 30% tariff on all SA goods

So, what does this mean for South Africans?

Our biggest exports to the US are citrus, grapes, wine and nuts. Tariffs on these products are putting thousands of South African jobs at risk. 

“If the exports become too expensive for the US market, then the demand could drop, and that could affect producers' income… [leading to] reduced salaries and maybe job losses.” 
– Lindsey Schitters, Business Maverick

He says while our teams are trying to negotiate, Trump’s past actions suggest the tariffs might be recalled or revised. 

“He is going to realise very quickly that it affects him more than it affects us. And there’s also room for us to go look for other trade partners.” 
– Lindsey Schitters, Business Maverick

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.