South Africa’s government is putting the final touches to an overarching package that aims to shield businesses against the fallout from punitive US trade tariffs and plans to present it to lawmakers later this week.

Africa is adjusting to the new reality of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with countries on the continent facing some of the highest export charges.

South Africa's trade and industry minister on Monday said that the 30 per cent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States could put tens of thousands of jobs at risk.