Lesotho Prepares Delegation to Address U.S. Tariffs Threatening Its Economy

The African nation faces a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S., jeopardizing its garment industry and prompting urgent diplomatic efforts.

The U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Lesotho's exports, the highest rate among targeted nations, set to take effect on April 9, 2025.
Lesotho's government is finalizing plans to send a high-level delegation to Washington on April 12 to negotiate the removal or reduction of the tariffs.
The tariffs threaten Lesotho's garment industry, which employs 12,000 workers and contributes significantly to the nation's economy.
Lesotho is also accelerating efforts to diversify its trade relationships, focusing on the European Union and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.
The tariffs coincide with uncertainty over the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), further endangering Lesotho's economic stability.