Hundreds of textile workers marched through central Maseru on Friday, calling for relief from United States tariffs and the swift renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act after its expiration at the end of September 2025. The peaceful protest, led by six trade unions, spotlighted layoffs and factory closures in Lesotho’s garment sector and urged lower duties to restore orders. Organizers delivered petitions to the trade and labor ministries and the prime minister’s office as the country contends with a declared state of disaster tied to job losses.
Union leaders said about 400 people joined the march. The Trump administration set a 50 percent tariff in April 2025, later cut to 15 percent in July, which unions say still squeezes exporters that once shipped duty-free under AGOA. The industry employs about 40,000 to 50,000 workers and has shed at least 12,000 jobs, with as many as 40,000 at risk, according to officials. Youth unemployment sits at 38 percent. Unions want tariffs reduced to 10 percent and immediate talks to restore AGOA access.
Union leaders said about 400 people joined the march. The Trump administration set a 50 percent tariff in April 2025, later cut to 15 percent in July, which unions say still squeezes exporters that once shipped duty-free under AGOA. The industry employs about 40,000 to 50,000 workers and has shed at least 12,000 jobs, with as many as 40,000 at risk, according to officials. Youth unemployment sits at 38 percent. Unions want tariffs reduced to 10 percent and immediate talks to restore AGOA access.
