State of the World from NPR Lesotho Declares State of Disaster After U.S. Tariffs. Rescissions Impact U.N.
Jul 23, 2025
Lesotho's textile industry faces destruction due to U.S. tariffs, leading to factory closures and job losses. Workers share their personal struggles and hopes for policy changes. Meanwhile, U.S. funding cuts threaten critical U.N. programs, including peacekeeping and UNICEF. The cuts could undermine global stability and humanitarian efforts, posing challenges in conflict regions like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The impact is felt deeply, as organizations like UNHCR struggle to assist refugees amid declining resources.
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Lesotho Garment Workers' Struggles
- Lesotho workers at a garment factory face severe job losses due to U.S. tariffs.
- Many are put on short work hours or factory closures, impacting their livelihoods and mental health.
Broad Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Lesotho
- U.S. tariffs on Lesotho caused a loss of 12,000 direct garment factory jobs.
- Knock-on effects could put up to 40,000 people out of work in a country with 50% youth unemployment.
Local Businesses Hurt by Job Losses
- Local businesses like cobblers and tuck shops suffer as garment workers lose income.
- A 19-year-old tuck shop owner reports decreased sales linked to garment workers' reduced spending.