Lesotho fears Trump shake-up could tear threadbare economy

IN A sweltering factory in Lesotho, rows of workers hunch over thrumming sewing machines churning out piles of jeans for the global market from a country that US President Donald Trump has mocked as unknown.

- 

Buy sportswear from Brazil, South African Mr Price and other source it was stitched on the floor of this garment factory in the capital, Maseru which employs 800-odd employees.

Although modest in size compared to giant textile powerhouses like Bangladesh and China, the tiny mountain kingdom's clothing industry is the country's largest employer with more than 45,000 workers, according to official data.

These workers are now fretting over their future after Trump this month called for Lesotho's country to "shape up" or else while defending his sweeping aid cuts.

"I was very cross when I heard him speak. He thought we were useless to him," Moliehi Ntahli said AFP, a streak of red dye stripping paint off the face of ironed grey pants at the Afri-Expo Textiles company. The 33-year-old has worked at the company for two years but her job stretch is already imperilled. Production manager, Malerai Smatla says she was recently taken back by the company.

"It's something that we didn't expect," the 35-year-old said.

"It made me sad because we are doing a lot of good work," she said.