South Africa is working on ways to mitigate job losses caused by steep U.S. tariffs and is considering exempting exporters from some competition rules to support them, its trade and foreign ministers said on Monday.

South Africa faces the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting Trump's strained relationship with the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Other African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been hit with a 15% tariff, which will also come into effect in seven days.

South Africa, which has a strained relationship with President Trump, is the only African country singled out in the announcement with a 30% tariff increase on August 7.