The announcement of tariffs by Donald Trump raised concerns for garment workers in Lesotho, where 20% of exports go to the US. The 50% tariff imposed by the US on Lesotho disrupts the garment industry that employs many in the capital, Maseru. Workers like Makhotso Moeti expressed fears about losing their jobs and returning to poverty. Economists criticized the tariffs, questioning their fairness and the concept of reciprocity since Lesotho's tariffs are minimal. The situation stands critical for Lesotho's economy, which heavily relies on exports to the US under a trade agreement.
The day after Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs, Lesotho's garment workers feared for their jobs. Last year, Lesotho sent about 20% of its $1.1bn (845m) of exports to the US, most of it clothing.
Makhotso Moeti migrated to Lesotho's capital, Maseru, from the rural centre of the tiny mountainous kingdom... If the factories shut down, I won't have many options left.
Dr Ratjomose Machema... said: I don't understand how this is a reciprocal tariff because we really don't charge that much in tariffs.
Lesotho was hit with the highest rate. In Africa, it was followed by vanilla exporter Madagascar with a tariff of 47%, diamond producer Botswana on 37%...
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