Trump hits Lesotho with a highest rate rate (source: AP and ISTOC)
The decision comes after Trump said the Lesotho imposes a 99% tariff on American goods – a figure that the Government of Lesotho challenged, declaring that it did not know how the United States came to this number. Despite these claims, the Minister of the Trade of Lesotho, Mokhethi Shelile, expressed a deep concern, highlighting the potential impact on the country’s textile sector, which employs around 12,000 people.
Lesotho-Us commercial figures
In 2024, Lesotho exports to the United States totaled 240.1 million dollars, with around 75% of its textile products, including brands like Levi’s and Wrangler, constituting a significant portion. Other main exports include diamonds, water, energy, wool and mohair. On the other hand, Lesotho imported less than $ 3 million in the United States.
The economy of Lesotho faces significant challenges, with almost half of its 2.3 million inhabitants living below the poverty line and one in four unemployed. The average citizen earns less than $ 5 a day, placing Lesotho among the poorest nations in the world. With a national production of around $ 2 billion a year and a per capita income of only $ 975, the country has trouble achieving economic stability.
Lesotho’s response to Trump prices
In response to the prices, Minister Shelile has announced that Lesotho would actively seek new markets, especially in the African continent. He highlighted plans aimed at taking advantage of the African continental free trade area (AFCFTA) to stimulate exports to more favorable destinations.
In addition, the Government of Lesotho is preparing to send a delegation to the United States to negotiate a more favorable trade agreement. “We are concerned about the possible closure of textile factories,” said Shelile, stressing the importance of quickly solving the problem to protect jobs and the economy.
