US tariffs threaten R460m blow to SA Macadamias
The South African macadamia industry is bracing for major losses as the United States moves to impose a 30% tariff on local exports.
The tariff was expected to kick in on Friday but has been delayed by a week.
Non-profit organisation, SAMAC, which supports South African macadamia growers, has warned that the industry would suffer losses of up to R460 million, if US tariffs are imposed.
South African exports include over 6,000 tons of macadamia kernels annually to the U.S.
These are used in products like cookies, granola bars, and cereals.
READ: South Africa told not to bend the knee to US – expert
SAMAC said the US cannot meet its own demand, making South African imports vital, not competitive.
It has called for South African macadamias to be exempt from US tariffs, as they bring value to both economies without threatening American farmers.
It has also asked for tariff reductions in key markets like China, India, and South Korea, where levies remain high.
SAMAC said the sector contributed about R5.4 billion to South Africa's GDP last year and supports over 80,000 jobs.
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