Trade officials in South Africa project up to 30 000 workers could lose jobs in apparel and textile sectors if proposed U.S. tariffs on oil‑linked imports proceed. Officials are negotiating exemptions for Southern African exporters and exploring stimulus measures. Firms report export orders canceled or postponed, with revenue dips already reflected in Q2 earnings. Economists estimate GDP growth could be reduced by several tenths of a percent. Pressure is building on U.S. trade policymakers to accommodate African stakeholders.