约4万人受影响 美关税政策严重冲击莱索托支柱产业

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. tariff policy is severely impacting Lesotho's textile industry, which is a critical sector for the country's economy and employment [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Impact - Lesotho, recognized as one of the least developed countries by the UN, heavily relies on its textile industry, with over 40,000 jobs dependent on exports to the U.S. [1] - The U.S. announced a 50% "reciprocal tariff" in April, which was later postponed, but the current 15% tariff still poses a significant challenge to Lesotho's fragile economy [1][3]. - Approximately 12,000 jobs in Lesotho's textile sector are directly affected by the tariffs, with a total of around 40,000 individuals impacted [3]. Group 2: Business Reactions - Many U.S. importers have canceled orders for textiles produced in Lesotho due to the tariff threat, leading to large-scale layoffs in the industry [3]. - Local textile vendors report that the tariffs have forced them to raise prices, resulting in a loss of customers who find the products too expensive [5]. Group 3: Policy Critique - The calculation of U.S. tariffs is criticized for only considering goods trade while ignoring the significant surplus Lesotho has in service trade, making the tariffs "absolutely unfair" [7]. - The unilateral imposition of discriminatory tariffs by the U.S. is seen as a violation of World Trade Organization principles, and there is a call for African nations to strengthen cooperation to address such unilateral and protectionist actions [8].