A new wave of U.S. tariffs takes effect on August 7, targeting a range of African exports and raising concerns in industries from textiles to automobiles. While Lesotho's garment factories and South Africa's car manufacturers brace for the economic hit, experts say China's expanding zero-tariff policy for African imports could offer an important alternative amid a shifting global trade landscape.

African industries under pressure

The latest measures come as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's broader tariff campaign, which has seen duties raised on goods from dozens of countries. Four African nations, including South Africa, Lesotho, Libya, and Tunisia, are among those hit with some of the steepest increases.

Lesotho's textile industry, once thriving under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), remains vulnerable. Although the April announcement of a 50% tariff was later revised down to 15%, the shock lingers.

"This has impacted us a lot, especially because textile manufacturing for the U.S. market has been the backbone of Lesotho's economy," said Teboho Kobeli, Managing Director of Afri Expo Textiles. "It became a shock. We said to ourselves, 'Is this another type of COVID coming to us?' We had to put our heads together with government, manufacturers, employees and trade unions to look for other markets."

Textiles are Lesotho's second-largest employer after the public sector, meaning any sustained loss of U.S. market access could have a direct impact on livelihoods.

In South Africa, the automobile industry, which exports a significant portion of production to the United States, faces a potential slowdown.

Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, noted: "Yes, it's going to have an impact, but it's not going to cripple us. We have alternative markets, particularly China, which has dropped all tariffs to African countries but one."

A turning point in trade relations

China has remained a reliable partner for Africa. Already the continent's largest trading partner, China has announced to implement the removal of all import tariffs for African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, said the U.S. measures amount to "an unjustified war" against free trade. "China will fight till the very end if the United States wants to impose a trade war," he said. "Free trade is something worthwhile for all countries to defend. The tariffs will ultimately be paid by the American people, not by other countries."

Gao stressed that China's zero-tariff treatment policy opens a door for African exporters. "This is truly a blessing because African countries under maximum pressure from the U.S. will appreciate that China is opening its doors as wide as possible," he said, pointing to the upcoming China International Import Expo as a major platform for African goods to reach the "massive Chinese market."

Finding new growth

For Lesotho's garment sector, finding alternative buyers is already under way. Kobeli said his company had strengthened links with South African retail chains such as Pick n Pay and Woolworths. "The strategy we took was to get to the close markets like the South African retailers and then forge strong relationships," he explained.

In South Africa, the government has introduced measures such as an export support desk to help businesses diversify. Fakude believes such tools, combined with political will, can help redirect trade flows. "Every country impacted by this schizophrenic politicking is looking for alternative markets, and that's going to be China," he said.

Looking ahead

Both Gao and Fakude agree China and Africa need to broaden their cooperation. Opportunities in green development, digital trade, and industrial innovation are attracting attention, particularly as China's domestic market continues to grow.

"The lines of communication and business between South Africa, Africa and China are already up and running," Fakude said. "Now it's a matter of diverting whatever we were doing with the U.S. into China, because right now, you can't continue trusting the United States."