Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Closing Factories in Lesotho
Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Closing Factories in Lesotho
The closure of a factory in the small southern African nation of Lesotho is an early effect of the global disruption caused by President Trump’s tariffs. John Eligon, the Johannesburg bureau chief for The New York Times, talks with Katrin Bennhold, a senior writer, about what he has seen there.
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Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate in its claim that Trump's tariffs are impacting factories in Lesotho. However, the framing and selection of information suggest a moderate bias against Trump's policies. The sources generally support the claim that tariffs are negatively affecting Lesotho's garment industry.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: The closure of a factory in Lesotho is an early effect of Trump's tariffs.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms that a garment factory in Lesotho, which produced Trump-branded golf shirts, may shut down due to tariffs.
- Verification Source #2: Supports the claim that Lesotho's garment workers are reeling from Trump's tariffs.
- Verification Source #3: Supports the claim that a Lesotho clothing factory is going dark due to tariffs.
- Verification Source #4: Supports the claim that US tariffs triggered a jobs crisis in Lesotho.
- Verification Source #5: Confirms that a garment factory in Lesotho, which produced Trump-branded golf shirts, may shut down due to tariffs.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources.
- Claim: Lesotho charges a 99% tariff on U.S. goods.
- Verification Source #3: According to the Trump administration, Lesotho charges a 99% tariff on U.S. goods. The government here said it doesn't know how the U.S. arrived at that figure.
- Assessment: The claim is attributed to the Trump administration, but the Lesotho government disputes it. This suggests a potential bias in how the information is presented.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: 'A garment factory in Lesotho, which has produced Trump-branded golf shirts, may have to soon shut down following the massive import taxes...'
- Source 4: 'Garment factory workers iron jeans on July 3, 2025 in Maseru, Lesotho. The tiny country is Africa's denim hub, now threatened by Trumps tariffs.'