Lesotho’s textile industry, the country’s largest private employer and a pillar of its economy, is reeling from sweeping U.S. tariffs that have triggered mass layoffs, shut down factories and shaken one of Africa’s most vulnerable nations. The tariffs, introduced in April under U.S. President
Lesotho has declared a national state of disaster due to “high rates of youth unemployment and job losses,” as the country grapples with uncertainty surrounding US tariffs and trade policies. The declaration, effective until 30 June 2027, enables the government to take emergency measures under the Disaster Management Act to mitigate the economic fallout,













