South Africa's Jendamark Automation has lost contracts worth 750 million rand ($41 million) due to the imposition of new 30% tariffs by the United States on South African exports. The tariffs, which took effect on August 7, 2025, are the steepest imposed on any country in sub-Saharan Africa and have rendered the US market commercially unviable for some South African exporters, including a door manufacturer employing around 350 people in its export operations. In response, the South African government is finalizing a support package aimed at shielding businesses from the tariffs' impact, including financial support facilities and exemptions from certain competition laws to allow affected exporters to collaborate. The government is also developing strategies to reduce potential job losses, which could affect up to 30,000 workers. Additionally, South Africa plans to seek new markets to offset the export losses and continues to engage with the US to negotiate a trade deal that benefits both nations. On August 6, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump held a phone call to discuss ongoing trade issues, with both sides agreeing to continue talks to strengthen economic ties amid the challenging trade environment. Ramaphosa faces domestic economic challenges alongside the trade tensions with the US.