How is Lesotho responding to President Donald Trump's 50% tariff?

“We’ve heard that there’s a possibility that our firms might shut down. This has to do with what Mr Trump said. Should it happen, it will be devastating to us because there isn’t much work in Lesotho. We rely on these firms" - Mamonts'eng Lephallo

According to White House figures, in 2024 the United States exported just $2.8 million worth of goods to Lesotho.

The southern African country on the other hand sent products worth nearly $240 million to President Donald Trump's country.

They include diamonds and clothing.

But now, Lesotho has been slapped with a whopping 50% tariff on goods entering the US.

With factory workers and others extremely concerned about possible job losses, Lesotho is now sending a high level government delegation to the United States.

Presenter: Mpho Lakaje

Guests: Mamonts’eng Lephallo, Marapelang Khabele and Marafaele Mohloboli