THE imposition of a 30% tariff on South African exports to the United States by the Trump administration is a devastating blow to the economy and a direct result of a visit to the Trump administration in America by Solidarity and AfriForum.
Their mishandling of the matter has left South Africa's key industries vulnerable, with tens of thousands jobs now at risk.
The automotive sector is among the hardest hit. In 2024, we exported over R28.7 billion in vehicles and R4.4 billion in components to the U.S.
With this trade now severely restricted, industry experts estimate that up to 30 000 jobs could be lost nationally. The city of Gqeberha, home to the Ford engine plant and Isuzu assembly plant, stands to suffer deeply.
These factories are central to our export pipeline. As orders dry up, thousands of workers in Gqeberha face retrenchment, along with those in supply chains, transport and logistics.
The impact doesn't end there. The citrus industry, which relies heavily on the U.S markets, supports an estimated 35 000 jobs.
The textile and wine industries are also exposed. Altogether, the economic fallout from these tariffs could cost billions in lost revenue, with long-term consequences for South Africa's GDP and tax base.
Solidarity and AfriForum acted irresponsibly by visiting the White House. They lacked the leverage to shield South Africa from these sanctions, and their action now threatens the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers.
We must respond with a clear national strategy: diversify our export markets, expand intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA), and offer immediate relief to affected industries.
Above all, we need leadership that puts people before politics.
South Africans, especially those in cities like Gqeberha, cannot afford the prices of political short-sightedness. ADIEL ISMAIL | Mount View