STORY: Gene Likhanya's macadamia nut farm has been built up over two decades in South Africa's Madimbo valley.
But he now faces a sudden challenge from U.S. import tariffs causing him to look for other markets.
"Reciprocal" levies announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, set at 31% for South Africa, have been paused for negotiations.
But South African farmer groups have warned of potential devastation from the U.S tariffs.
''I think the figure I saw a few weeks back was that if Trump had to activate the 30% tariff, then we'd be paying close to 460 million rands worth of tariff, at 30%, that's what a tariff means. That's half a billion rand out of our economy into the tariff."
South Africa is the world's top producer of the buttery flavored nuts, cherished by some for their perceived health benefits.
The U.S. is its second largest market behind China.
Likhanya has produced around 27 tons of nuts this year and aims to triple output over the next four years.
He says he and fellow macadamia nut farmers were already looking for alternative markets.
"I feel that there's so much more we can do internationally or explore other markets. I mean, India has got one and a half billion with half billion people that are also looking for macadamia. So there's always an alternative plan.''
Likhanya's farm currently employs 78 people permanently including many from nearby villages.
Nut factory manager Mulingoni Nedzingane stresses it's vital role.
"Farming is very important for us because if it hasn't for that, everyone, we have been not working now and that be a problem for the community."
Likhanya describes the tariff stand-off as a 'lose-lose' situation and hopes it is resolved quickly.
