"For Lesotho's textile workers, Trump's tariff damage is already done", 5 August 2025

Every morning, Matsoso Lepau queues at the gates of a garment factory in...Maseru for a job that no longer exists.

Lepau and other laid-off workers have gathered here after the imposition of U.S. tariffs led to the widespread cancelation of orders, followed by job losses and factory closures.

Lesotho's textile industry - which produces jeans and other garments for popular U.S. brands such as Levi's and Walmart - is its biggest private employer.

But it was hit hard when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on...exports in April.

And though he slashed that tariff to 15% last week, for many the damage was already done.

Lepau says he's now lost his income of between $162 and $168 a month.

He hopes that the lower tariff might mean he gets his job back.

"The buyers, have stopped, have canceled..."

"So, it means the 15% didn't make the difference, you know, because the orders are not coming."

...Lesotho's trade minister has raised concerns that the reduced 15% tariff rate does not go far enough - pointing to competition from Kenya and Eswatini, both of whom have 10% rates...