Lesotho’s Textile Industry Faces Crisis as Trump Tariff Threat Looms

Analysts condemn President Trump's proposed 50% tariffs on Lesotho's textile exports as economically unjustifiable. The measures could decimate an industry that contributes 10% to the African nation's $2 billion GDP and employs over 40,000 workers.

Major American brands like Levi's and Wrangler source garments from Lesotho, currently Africa's top apparel exporter to the US. Yet TRUMP dismissed the country as "a country nobody has ever heard of" while threatening one of the steepest tariff rates imposed worldwide.

The uncertainty has already triggered mass layoffs, with factories operating only on pending shipments. "There are massive lay-offs ongoing," confirmed Teboho Kobeli of Afri Expo. "Unless factories are doing other orders besides US orders, they are totally shutting down."

With the tariff suspension deadline approaching and no trade agreement secured, Lesotho's textile sector braces for potential collapse. The impending decision could reshape global supply chains for major US apparel brands.