Lesotho is dispatching a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers, industry leaders, and labor union representatives to the United States this weekend to advocate for a reduction in tariffs that are severely impacting the nation’s vital textile industry.
“We want the negotiations to start at zero as a starting point because it is where we were before the new US policy,” stated Lihaelo Nkaota, a spokeswoman for Lesotho’s trade ministry. “We want the tariffs to be below the 15% for the benefit of the employers and workers.”
In August, the US imposed a 15% levy on imports from Lesotho, which, although less severe than the 50% tariff previously threatened by President Donald Trump in April, has nonetheless sent shockwaves through the economy. Prior to the new tariffs, most of Lesotho’s exports to the US—its second-largest trade partner—entered duty-free under the now-abandoned African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Labor unions and street vendors are planning a march on the offices of Lesotho’s prime minister on 17 September to express their frustration over the negative impact of the tariff policy on their businesses and livelihoods.
The textile sector, Lesotho’s largest private employer, supports around 12,000 direct jobs and an additional 40,000 indirect jobs, supplying major US retailers such as Walmart Inc., JC Penney, and Levi Strauss & Co. Many factories have already been compelled to reduce their workforce as orders diminish.
The delegation, led by Trade and Industry Minister Mokhethi Shelile, will include Labour and Employment Minister Ts’eliso Mokhosi, alongside representatives from the Lesotho Textile Exporters Association and labor leaders participating in this crucial mission.