Lesotho is rushing to negotiate with the U.S. over looming tariffs that could devastate its economy and cripple its key textile exports.

Lesotho scrambled to assemble a delegation to travel to Washington for talks with the United States over tariffs that threaten to wipe out nearly half of its exports, officials said, warning of a potential death blow to its economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on America’s global trading partners, disrupting decades of rules-based trade that campaigners have long said is exceptionally favorable to rich countries like the United States.

The tariff rates, set to take effect on April 9, range from 10% to 50%. Lesotho faces the highest levy on Trump’s list of target economies, with a 50% tariff on its exports.

Lesotho's exports to the United States — mostly textiles for brands such as Levi's and Calvin Klein — totaled $237 million in 2024, accounting for more than a tenth of its GDP.

Surrounded by South African mountains, the kingdom of 2 million people is among the world’s poorest countries, with a GDP per capita of $916 in 2023, according to World Bank data.

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