France, Aug. 7 -- As sweeping new US tariffs take effect on Thursday, dozens of countries are facing sharp new duties on their exports. South Africa is among the hardest hit, with key goods now subject to a 30 percent tariff and up to 100,000 jobs on the line.

The tariff hike, ordered by US President Donald Trump, is part of a wider effort to reset global trade on terms more favourable to Washington.

South Africa's reliance on exports like cars, steel and citrus - combined with an already fragile economy - leaves it particularly exposed.

The South African government had spent months trying to negotiate a deal to avoid the penalty. It offered to buy US liquefied natural gas and invest $3.3 billion (€2.8 billion) in US industries i...