Lesotho - one of the world’s least developed countries, as classified by the United Nations - is facing steep hurdles now in its textile exports in the wake of U.S. sweeping “reciprocal tariffs.”
Lesotho’s economy heavily depends on textile exports, particularly to the United States.
But under the new tariff regime, its garments are now subject to a staggering 50-percent duty.
In the capital city Maseru, the founder of a major garment factory warned that the high tariffs will deliver a crippling blow to the country's already fragile economy.
"These tariffs come as a shock to us, to our business, to Lesotho as a country and its economy. No buyer will consider coming to Lesotho to put their orders on their tariff of 50 percent. So basically that means the business stops. We need to soldier on. We need to look for other markets," said Teboho Kobeli, founder and managing director of Afri Expo Textiles.
Workers have also voiced growing uncertainty about their future as the economic fallout begins to take hold.
"[There are] around 200 people that are sitting at home. That means they have families to feed. Some of them got five heads under them. So if one person that was waking is now unemployed, that means it's a disaster for the whole family and for us also the production, the income, because the minute the production declines, it means the income also," said Malerai Mosotho, production manager of the company.
"It has affected me negatively. I'm scared that I might lose my job because you know, if we are not able to export, that means there'll be no income and the prices are going higher each and every day for basic needs," said a worker of the factory.
Lesotho's textile industry reels from steep US tariffs
Lesotho's textile industry reels amid steep US tariffs
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is ready to completely withdraw from the governmental scene in the Gaza Strip and engage in a positive and constructive manner with the second phase of the plan to end the war in the enclave, said Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim on Friday. In a statement, Naim said that the ceasefire deal became an international plan after being adopted by the United Nations Security Council. However, it is now facing obstacles.
He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reneging on his commitments and escalating the situation, in an attempt to return to war and save his political career. Pointing out that Israeli strikes have caused hundreds of casualties since the announcement of the ceasefire, the Hamas official said the escalation cannot occur without cover or green light from the United States. He said Hamas has committed to all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, as attested by the mediators and the U.S., adding that it is ready for the second phase of the agreement.
He emphasized the Movement's commitment to the establishment of a fully empowered Palestinian body to administer Gaza, and its complete withdrawal from the governmental scene.
Naim warned that the situation will not be sustainable if the continued escalation of Israeli military operations and the persistence of the catastrophic humanitarian situation remain unaddressed, adding that the circle of fire may expand, which is what Netanyahu aspires to.
Since a ceasefire took effect on Oct 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 439 with 1,223 injuries, according to local health authorities on Friday. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,409 Palestinians have been killed and 171,304 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.
Hamas ready for complete withdrawal from Gaza governmental scene: official
