The Tzicc Plant in Lesotho Faces Difficulties Due to Trump Tariffs

• The tariff on clothing imported from Lesotho has been raised by 50%
• Over 12,000 people are losing their jobs due to the new tariffs
• The economy of Lesotho is suffering from unemployment and poverty

In a small African kingdom, Lesotho, the Tzicc plant has halted production due to tariffs imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Previously, 1,300 people worked at the factory, which produced sportswear for American retailers such as JCPenney, Walmart, and Costco. However, in April, Trump announced new tariffs that increased the rate for Lesotho by 50%, which has led to the layoffs of workers and economists.

The tariffs have impacted the economy of the kingdom, where the textile industry is the largest sector with over 30,000 jobs projected in 2024. The government of Lesotho states that it has not received any notifications regarding the new tariffs prior to the expiration of the previous term, and 12,000 people employed in clothing manufacturing remain in uncertainty.

The Tzicc factory, which opened in 1999, is trying to fulfill existing orders, but new orders from the U.S. have been suspended. Workers who have remained are watching their positions closely, fearing that their jobs could be taken away at any time. Given the unemployment rate in Lesotho, which has reached 30%, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.

The Minister of Trade of Lesotho, Mokhothu Shelle, noted that the kingdom is already in a critical state due to rising unemployment. Meanwhile, many women who worked at Tzicc are now facing financial difficulties, trying to secure their families' livelihoods.

The plant in Lesotho is facing serious challenges, and its future will depend on further decisions by Trump's administration regarding tariffs.

Tags: USA/Politics/Economy