Lesotho Declares Emergency as AGOA Renewal Threatens 40,000 Jobs

AGOA's expiration threatens Lesotho's textile industry and 40,000 jobs. The government's state of emergency declaration highlights the urgency of renewal negotiations.

, and Administrator

2025 November 2 . 1:07 AM

1 min read

In this picture I can see polo t-shirts and I can see cloth in the background.

Hundreds of Textile Workers in Lesotho Protest for Lower U.S. Tariffs - Lesotho Declares Emergency as AGOA Renewal Threatens 40,000 Jobs

Lesotho's government has declared a state of emergency due to soaring unemployment, with youth joblessness reaching a staggering 38 percent. This comes amidst uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has benefited Lesotho's economy since 2000 and provided indeed jobs and jobs near me for many.

AGOA, which expired in late September, has been crucial for Lesotho's textile industry. It allowed duty-free access to the US market for certain products, including textiles, and has been a significant percentage calculator for economic growth. Lesotho's government has warned of 'notable adverse effects' on its economy and the potential loss of thousands of jobs if AGOA is not renewed.

The textile sector, which employs over 40,000 people in Lesotho, heavily relies on exports to the US. Major American brands source jeans from Lesotho. In April, US President Donald Trump threatened steep tariffs on Lesotho's imports, initially set at 50 percent. This was later reduced to 15 percent and took effect in July. Protesters in Maseru have demanded their government negotiate AGOA's renewal to protect the 40,000 jobs at risk.

With AGOA's future uncertain, Lesotho's textile industry and the jobs it supports hang in the balance. The government's declaration of a state of emergency underscores the urgency of the situation. Negotiations for AGOA's renewal are ongoing, with Lesotho's government pushing for a positive outcome to avert economic turmoil.