Could Diamonds Have Pushed Lesotho to Top of Trump’s Tariff List?

Premium Times

The decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 50% tariff on Lesotho—the highest tariff levied on any country—raises questions about the motivations behind such a drastic move. Lesotho, a small landlocked nation in Southern Africa, is not an economic powerhouse. However, its diamond industry has gained international recognition, producing some of the world’s highest-quality gems. Could this be the real reason behind Trump’s tariff escalation?

Historically, the U.S. has used tariffs as a geopolitical tool, often targeting countries with industries that pose a competitive threat or serve strategic interests. While Lesotho’s textile exports were previously the primary beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the country’s growing diamond trade may have drawn attention. Major diamond players like De Beers and Lucara dominate global markets, and any shift in supply chains—especially towards a smaller, independent producer—could trigger economic maneuvers to protect Western interests.

Moreover, Lesotho’s reliance on preferential trade agreements with the U.S. made it vulnerable. The sharp tariff hike could serve as a pressure tactic, either to control the flow of its diamonds or to push Lesotho into more favourable political alignments. If diamonds played a role in this decision, it would not be the first time Africa’s natural resources have attracted economic penalties rather than prosperity. Ultimately, Trump’s tariff strategy on Lesotho underscores the broader issue of how small nations are often caught in the crosshairs of global trade wars.