The South African rand took a knock against a firmer dollar in early trade on Friday, as global markets remained on edge over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

South African consumers already battle to make ends meet in difficult economic conditions and the US tariffs will make it even worse.

Citing false claims that white South Africans are being persecuted, Trump has cut aid to the country, publicly berated its president in the Oval Office and invited Afrikaners - descendants of early European settlers - to come to the United States as refugees.