South Africa outlines support measures in response to US tariffs
It also dismissed speculation that its failure to negotiate a lower tariff was because of its local affirmative action policies, which US President Donald Trump has criticised.
South Africa has tried for months to negotiate a deal with Washington, offering to buy US liquefied natural gas and invest $3.3bn (R59.29bn) in US industries in a 'framework deal' proposed to Trump's team.
But the effort was unsuccessful, even after Pretoria made a last-minute attempt to improve its offer.
Government officials say the US tariff could cause tens of thousands of job losses, especially in the agriculture and car-making industries, as Trump pushes to reshape global trade in favour of the US.
Addressing a press conference, trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau and foreign minister Ronald Lamola said a 'block exemption' from some aspects of the Competition Act was being developed that would allow competitors to collaborate and co-ordinate.
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