Lesotho has declared a national state of disaster after the prospect of a 50% U.S. tariff on its exports triggered a wave of factory closures and job losses in the country’s key textile industry. The Trump administration announced the levy in April as part of a wider tariff package, granting a 90-day grace period that expired on 9 July but has yet to clarify whether the duty will be enforced. The uncertainty led U.S. buyers to cancel orders, forcing companies such as apparel maker Afri-Expo to lay off hundreds of workers. Textiles account for about 90% of Lesotho’s manufacturing exports and support roughly 40,000 jobs, most of them held by women. The sector’s shipments to the United States represent around 10% of the landlocked nation’s $2 billion gross domestic product. Authorities in Maseru cited “high rates of youth unemployment and job losses” in invoking the disaster declaration, noting that unemployment among young people is estimated at close to 50%. Officials said emergency measures will remain in force while the government seeks alternative markets and awaits a final decision from Washington.