South African manufacturers are warning of severe fallout from newly imposed 30% U.S. tariffs on goods from the country. Automotive-focused Eastern Cape, home to several vehicle and component plants, faces a potential wave of plant closures and job losses as export orders are withdrawn. Engineering firm Jendamark Automation, a key supplier to global carmakers, said it has already lost contracts worth 750 million rand ($41 million) because buyers shifted sourcing to avoid the levy, according to local media reports. A door manufacturer that relies on the United States for a significant share of revenue said the tariff renders the market ‘no longer commercially viable’, threatening about 350 export-linked jobs. Economist Iraj Abedian of Pan-African Investment and Research Services cautioned that the duties could accelerate de-industrialisation and strain South Africa-U.S. trade relations unless policymakers negotiate relief or alternative markets are secured.