Trump’s new tariffs threaten Lesotho’s textile industry and U.S.-Africa trade

Lesotho’s textile sector faces a crisis after the U.S. announced a 50% tariff on its exports, jeopardizing thousands of jobs tied to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The trade deal, which grants duty-free access to the U.S. market, has fueled Lesotho’s garment industry, supplying major brands like Walmart and Gap.

Teboho Kobeli, owner of Afri-Expo Textiles, warned the tariff hike could price his goods out of the market, risking livelihoods for 2,000 employees. Analysts fear the move could shrink Lesotho’s GDP by 1% within two years.

While Kenya downplays the impact—facing only a 10% levy—AGOA’s future remains uncertain. Former UN trade official Mukhisa Kituyi calls the tariffs a “death knell” for African exporters, criticizing U.S. “disruptive populism” for undermining stable trade rules.

Experts warn the policy weakens U.S. influence in Africa, ceding ground to China. Michelle Gavin of the Council on Foreign Relations notes the tariffs lack economic logic, signaling a broader U.S. disengagement.

With AGOA set to expire in 2025, Africa may need to accelerate its continental free-trade zone and diversify partnerships. For now, the tariffs underscore the fragility of trade-dependent economies in a shifting global landscape.

 

Posts Grid

Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton opens up about his west African heritage and calls for continental unity

On the eve of the new Formula 1 season, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton made a powerful statement that transcended motorsport. The 41-year-old Ferrari driver...

Premier League: Manchester City stumble hands Arsenal title initiative

Manchester City faltered in the Premier League title chase on Wednesday, squandering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest. Despite dominating possession...

Kosgei smashes Tokyo Marathon course record

Brigid Kosgei delivered a masterclass performance at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, obliterating the course record to claim victory in the Japanese capital. The 32-year-old...

Basketball/ Senegal Lions begin World Cup qualifiers preparation

The Senegal men's national basketball team kicks off its training camp tonight at the newly renovated Stadium Marius Ndiaye in Dakar, marking the start of...

Burkina Faso: Consolidating the progressive people revolution through health, institutions, and local governance

The February 19, 2026, weekly government meeting in Burkina Faso took on the dimension of a strategic orientation session. Under the chairmanship of Head of...

Mali faces coaching uncertainty amid Football Federation crisis

Malian football remains in limbo as the country awaits the date of an extraordinary general assembly to elect a new executive board for the football...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *