Story perspectives

Lesotho Seeks Tariff Cuts to Revive Textile Sector

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Under the tariff regime led by U.S. President Donald Trump, Lesotho faced a 50% tariff on imports, later reduced to 15%.
The higher tariffs, compared with Kenya's, contributed to factory closures and rising unemployment.
Prime Minister Sam Matekane said negotiations for further tariff reductions are ongoing.
The textile sector employs about 12,000 people and remains crucial to Lesotho's economy.
Some view the situation as an opportunity for economic change.

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Story summary

Under the tariff regime led by U.S. President Donald Trump, Lesotho faced a 50% tariff on imports, later reduced to 15%.
The higher tariffs, compared with Kenya's, contributed to factory closures and rising unemployment.
Prime Minister Sam Matekane said negotiations for further tariff reductions are ongoing.
The textile sector employs about 12,000 people and remains crucial to Lesotho's economy.
Some view the situation as an opportunity for economic change.