Lesotho Major Exports
Lesotho, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, has a relatively diverse export economy, largely driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. Despite its small size and population, Lesotho has established itself as a notable player in the global market, exporting a range of goods to neighboring countries and beyond. Below is an overview of Lesotho’s major exports and their respective trade values.
Major Export Categories
1. Textiles and Garments
Lesotho’s textile and garment industry is one of its most important export sectors. The country has a well-established textile manufacturing base, largely driven by foreign direct investment, particularly from South Africa and other international partners. This sector has been a major source of employment in Lesotho and a key contributor to its export revenue.
- Trade Value: Textiles and garments contribute around $300 million annually to Lesotho’s export revenue.
- The United States, the European Union, and South Africa are the primary markets for Lesotho’s textile exports.
Key Products:
- Apparel: Lesotho exports a wide range of apparel, including sportswear, casual clothing, and work uniforms, primarily to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
- Knitted Garments: The country is a significant exporter of knitted garments, including T-shirts, socks, and sweaters.
- Home Textiles: Bed linens, towels, and other household textiles are also significant export products.
2. Diamonds
Lesotho is well-known for its diamond industry, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. The country’s diamond mines produce some of the highest-quality stones, and its rough diamonds are exported to major global markets, particularly in Europe and the United States.
- Trade Value: Diamond exports contribute approximately $500 million annually to Lesotho’s export economy.
- Major export markets for Lesotho’s diamonds include Belgium, India, and the United States.
Key Products:
- Rough Diamonds: Lesotho’s diamond mines primarily produce rough diamonds, which are sold to international markets for cutting and polishing.
- High-Quality Stones: The country is known for producing large, high-quality diamonds, which are highly sought after by jewelers worldwide.
3. Water
Lesotho is known for its abundant water resources, which are exported to neighboring South Africa. The country’s water exports are part of a long-standing agreement where Lesotho supplies water to South Africa through a series of dams and pipelines.
- Trade Value: Water exports contribute around $100 million annually to Lesotho’s export earnings.
- The primary export market is South Africa, which imports a significant portion of its water needs from Lesotho.
Key Products:
- Water Supply: Water is supplied through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a large infrastructure project aimed at transporting water from Lesotho’s mountains to South Africa.
- Hydropower: In addition to water, Lesotho also exports electricity generated from hydropower to South Africa, contributing to the overall trade in water-related resources.
4. Livestock and Animal Products
Agriculture plays a significant role in Lesotho’s economy, and livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, and goats, forms a substantial portion of agricultural exports. The country is known for its wool and mohair, which are highly valued in international markets.
- Trade Value: Livestock and animal products contribute around $150 million annually to Lesotho’s exports.
- Key markets for Lesotho’s livestock and animal products include South Africa, China, and Europe.
Key Products:
- Wool and Mohair: Lesotho is one of the world’s top producers of wool and mohair, particularly high-quality mohair, which is exported to markets in Europe and Asia.
- Cattle and Sheep: The country also exports live animals, including cattle and sheep, primarily to neighboring South Africa.
- Meat Products: Lesotho exports processed meat products, particularly mutton and beef, to regional markets.
5. Food and Beverages
Lesotho produces a variety of agricultural products, though its food export sector is smaller compared to other major exports. Nonetheless, food products such as maize, beans, and wine have contributed to the country’s export economy, with growing exports of agricultural goods in recent years.
- Trade Value: Agricultural and food exports contribute around $50 million annually to Lesotho’s export revenue.
- The primary markets for Lesotho’s food exports include South Africa and regional countries in Southern Africa.
Key Products:
- Maize: Maize, a staple crop, is an important food export, especially to neighboring countries in Southern Africa.
- Wine: Lesotho has a small but growing wine industry, exporting wine primarily to South Africa.
- Beans and Pulses: The country also exports beans, peas, and other pulses, mainly to regional markets.
6. Cement and Construction Materials
The construction sector in Lesotho has grown steadily, driven by the need for infrastructure development, housing, and regional construction projects. The country produces and exports cement and other construction materials used in building projects.
- Trade Value: Cement and construction materials contribute approximately $40 million annually to Lesotho’s export economy.
- Lesotho’s main export market for construction materials is neighboring South Africa.
Key Products:
- Cement: Lesotho exports cement, primarily to South Africa, where there is a high demand for construction materials.
- Building Materials: The country also exports other building materials, including gravel and sand, used in regional construction projects.
7. Handicrafts
Lesotho has a rich cultural heritage, and the export of traditional handicrafts plays an important role in the country’s economy. Handicrafts, including woven textiles, pottery, and wooden carvings, are sold to international markets, particularly in Europe and the United States.
- Trade Value: Handicrafts contribute around $20 million annually to Lesotho’s export earnings.
- The United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa are the primary markets for Lesotho’s handicraft exports.
Key Products:
- Woven Textiles: Lesotho is known for its handmade textiles, including blankets and scarves, which are exported to international markets.
- Wooden Carvings: The country also exports wooden carvings, such as sculptures and furniture, made by local artisans.
- Pottery: Traditional pottery, including bowls and pots, is also exported as part of Lesotho’s handicraft industry.
Lesotho’s export economy is supported by a diverse range of sectors, from textiles and diamonds to water resources and agriculture. Despite being a small country, its key exports such as diamonds, wool, and textiles continue to play an essential role in driving economic growth and sustaining trade relationships with neighboring countries and global markets.
Top Products Exported by Lesotho
Market Value: 1,509 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Knitted Sweaters | 136,909 | 9.07 | 11.56 |
| 2 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 96,513 | 6.40 | 38.83 |
| 3 | Diamonds | 77,310 | 5.12 | 0.00 |
| 4 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 55,482 | 3.68 | 9.59 |
| 5 | Knitted Womens & Girls Suits | 43,624 | 2.89 | 44.17 |
| 6 | Knitted Mens & Boys Suits | 25,609 | 1.70 | 102.75 |
| 7 | Knitted T-Shirts | 18,396 | 1.22 | 60.42 |
| 8 | Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts | 14,141 | 0.94 | -15.22 |
| 9 | Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts | 11,061 | 0.73 | -50.55 |
| 10 | Woven Cotton Fabrics > 85% > 200 G/M2 | 4,005 | 0.27 | 0.00 |
| 11 | Knitted Babies Garments & Accessories | 3,880 | 0.26 | 1,236.23 |
| 12 | Non-Knit Babies Garments & Accessories | 3,165 | 0.21 | 191,952.85 |
| 13 | Knitted Womens & Girls Overcoats | 3,007 | 0.20 | 188.87 |
| 14 | Knitted Mens & Boys Overcoats | 3,001 | 0.20 | 155.03 |
| 15 | Knitted Garments | 2,641 | 0.18 | -33.60 |
| 16 | Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% > 200G/M2 | 1,967 | 0.13 | 0.00 |
| 17 | Combed Wool | 1,280 | 0.08 | 0.00 |
| 18 | Cereal Groats | 548 | 0.04 | 427.70 |
| 19 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses | 323 | 0.02 | 62.49 |
| 20 | Knitted Track Suits | 284 | 0.02 | 1,875.08 |
| 21 | Plastic Containers | 189 | 0.01 | -33.35 |
| 22 | Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials | 189 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 23 | Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics | 166 | 0.01 | 345.60 |
| 24 | Knitted Made-Up Clothing Accessories | 149 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 25 | Oxygen-Function Amino-Compounds | 111 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 26 | Passenger Vehicles | 88 | 0.01 | 5,621.03 |
| 27 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 82 | 0.01 | 2,716.90 |
| 28 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 67 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 29 | Non-Knit Track Suits | 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Tube & Pipe Fittings | 42 | 0.00 | 4,682.36 |
| 31 | Sauces & Condiments | 40 | 0.00 | -16.77 |
| 32 | Articles of Plastics | 38 | 0.00 | 247.50 |
| 33 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 35 | 0.00 | 4,798.88 |
| 34 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats | 33 | 0.00 | 1,118.09 |
| 35 | Tea | 30 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 36 | Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel | 26 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 37 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 23 | 0.00 | 81.34 |
| 38 | Pork | 19 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 39 | Aluminum Bars | 19 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 40 | Corn | 18 | 0.00 | 182.64 |
| 41 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 16 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 42 | Worn Clothing | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 43 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 14 | 0.00 | 11.13 |
| 44 | Textile Footwear | 12 | 0.00 | 477.32 |
| 45 | Meat Flour for Animals | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 46 | Labels & Badges | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 47 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats | 7 | 0.00 | -98.61 |
| 48 | Vegetable Materials For Brooms & Brushes | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 49 | Ceramic Statuettes | 6 | 0.00 | -4.94 |
| 50 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 6 | 0.00 | -98.38 |
| 51 | Basketwork | 6 | 0.00 | -17.56 |
| 52 | Pumps For Liquids | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 53 | Trucks | 5 | 0.00 | -97.09 |
| 54 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 5 | 0.00 | -83.33 |
| 55 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 4 | 0.00 | -70.54 |
| 56 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 3 | 0.00 | -78.94 |
| 57 | Bread, Pastry & Cakes | 3 | 0.00 | -64.32 |
| 58 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 3 | 0.00 | -65.05 |
| 59 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 60 | Books | 3 | 0.00 | 43.71 |
| 61 | Foods Prepared By Cereal Grain | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 62 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 2 | 0.00 | -96.56 |
| 64 | TV Receivers | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 65 | Abrasive Powder | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 66 | Glazed Ceramic Flags & Paving | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 67 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 68 | Furniture & Parts | 2 | 0.00 | -48.52 |
| 69 | Records & Tapes | 2 | 0.00 | 73.59 |
| 70 | Instruments for Measure & Check Flow | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 71 | Mattress Supports | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 72 | Tomatoes | 2 | 0.00 | -63.87 |
| 73 | Ink Jet Printers | 1 | 0.00 | -97.68 |
| 74 | Electric Light Equipment | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 75 | Electric Motors & Generators | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | Nuts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 77 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 78 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Undershirts | 1 | 0.00 | -95.95 |
| 79 | Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 80 | Organic Surface-Active Agents | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 81 | Glassware For Table | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 82 | Refrigerators & Freezers | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 83 | Electric Water Heaters | 1 | 0.00 | -34.79 |
| 84 | Household Art & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -97.84 |
| 85 | Microphones | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 86 | Blankets & Traveling Rugs | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 87 | Plastic Household Articles | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 88 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 89 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 1 | 0.00 | -35.91 |
| 90 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 91 | Sacks & Bags of Textile Material | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 92 | Knitted Womens & Girls Slips | 0 | 0.00 | -99.70 |
| 93 | Leather Apparel & Accessories | 0 | 0.00 | -94.30 |
| 94 | Paper Labels | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 95 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -82.29 |
| 96 | Imitation Jewelry | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 97 | Narrow Woven Fabrics | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 98 | Electromech Domestic Appliances | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 99 | Citrus Fruit | 0 | 0.00 | -95.77 |
| 100 | Knotted Carpets | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 101 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 0 | 0.00 | -93.85 |
| 102 | Switching Equipment, > 1000 V | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 103 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Slips | 0 | 0.00 | -100.00 |