"The imposition of a general tariff of 30% by the USA on exports from South Africa to the USA could have unintended and austere consequences for the South African economy and for longer-term business relations," the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said in a statement.

South Africa’s trade department has drafted proposed regulations that will allow exporters to collaborate to ease the impact of 30% tariffs the US levied on imports from the nation.

Sacci on Wednesday said this initiative poses a significant threat not only to the nation's economy but also to the sustainability of long-term business relations between the two countries.