讀後心得

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, imposed reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, with the rate for the Southern African nation of Lesotho reaching as high as 50%, raising concerns among local economists who believe this policy will severely damage the country's economy. Lesotho's GDP is approximately $2 billion, and its main exports to the United States are diamonds and textiles. If this tariff rate goes into effect, it could lead to the collapse of the country's fiber and apparel industry, affecting the employment of around 40,000 workers. Some experts point out that this move will cause broader economic repercussions, putting Lesotho in a dire situation.

Recently, U.S. President Trump has imposed reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, with Lesotho's rate soaring to 50%. Local economic analysts indicate that this move is akin to sentencing this small country to death. Reports suggest that Trump described Lesotho in March as a country "no one has heard of," with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) slightly exceeding $2 billion. Its trade surplus with the U.S. mainly comes from diamonds and textiles, and it operates as a subcontractor for the Levi's brand.

According to data, U.S. exports to Lesotho last year were only $2.8 million, while Lesotho's exports to the U.S. were about $237 million, accounting for over 10% of Lesotho's GDP. On the 2nd, Trump stated that these reciprocal tariffs are a retaliation against the tariffs and other non-tariff barriers imposed on American products. According to American data, the tax rate on U.S. goods by Lesotho is as high as 99%. This policy further exacerbates the economic pressures Lesotho faces due to the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Economic analyst Kwesi stated that these 50% reciprocal tariffs will severely damage Lesotho's textile and apparel industry. According to data, this industry employs about 40,000 workers, making it the largest private sector in the country, and accounts for up to 90% of manufacturing employment and exports.

Trump's reciprocal tariff policy has a greater impact on poor countries that import only a small amount of U.S. goods, with economies like those of Lesotho and Madagascar facing substantial shocks. Kwesi warned that if factories collapse, it could lead to the disappearance of the entire industry, triggering a chain reaction that affects widespread economic activity.

Reports indicate that the formula Trump used to calculate the reciprocal tariff rates has the deepest impact on poor countries. Even Madagascar, with a per capita GDP slightly over $500, faces a high tax rate of 47%, while its exports of vanilla, metal, and clothing to the U.S. total only $733 million.