🛡️ How to Survive Tariffs Like Trump Survived an Assassination: A Guide for South African Employers
2 Aug 2025
In July 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally — a moment that stunned the world and underscored his reputation for defiance under pressure. Now, in 2025, his sweeping tariff policies are shaking global markets and forcing employers to rethink sustainability, staffing, and cost control.
For South African businesses, especially those exporting to the U.S. or relying on global supply chains, Trump’s tariffs — ranging from 15% to 30% on African exports — are more than political posturing. They’re a direct hit to profitability, employment, and long-term planning.
📉 What Are Trump’s Tariffs and Why Were They Imposed?
- Scope: Tariffs on nearly 70 countries, including South Africa, with rates up to 50% on some sectors.
- Stated Purpose: To rebalance trade deficits, revive U.S. manufacturing, and pressure countries over geopolitical issues like oil imports from Russia.
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Economic Impact:
- African industries — especially citrus, textiles, and automotive — face crippling export costs.
- South Africa’s citrus growers warned of “certain” job losses if tariffs persist.
đź’Ľ How Tariffs Affect Employment in South Africa
- Export-Driven Jobs at Risk: Citrus, textiles, and auto sectors are vulnerable to U.S. market shifts.
- Supply Chain Disruption: Higher costs on imported components may lead to layoffs or hiring freezes.
- Investor Anxiety: Uncertainty around trade deals is causing companies to delay expansion and hiring.
đź’ˇ Surviving the Storm: Cost-Cutting Strategies for Employers
1. Automate Payroll and HR with openHR
- openHR is 100% free, built for South African employers, and eliminates costly software subscriptions.
- Streamline compliance with UIF and SARS — without paying a cent.
- Reduce admin overhead and reallocate resources to core operations.
2. Localise Supply Chains
- Shift sourcing to regional partners to avoid tariffed imports.
- Negotiate bulk deals with domestic suppliers to stabilise costs.
3. Flexible Staffing Models
- Use openHR to manage part-time, contract, and seasonal workers with ease.
- Avoid overstaffing while maintaining agility during trade negotiations.
4. Scenario Planning
- Model tariff impacts on revenue and employment using openHR’s reporting tools.
- Prepare contingency plans for worst-case scenarios — just like Trump did when facing adversity.
🇺🇸 Respecting Resilience: Leadership Lessons from Trump
Whether you agree with his politics or not, Trump’s survival — both politically and physically — is a case study in resilience. Twice elected, and now navigating global trade with unapologetic force, he’s reshaping the rules of engagement.
South African employers can take a page from his playbook: adapt, negotiate, and protect your future.
