Sri Lanka: Apparel sector expresses concern over 30% US tariff
"Apparel industry expresses concern over 30% US tariff on Sri Lanka", 11 July 2025
The apparel industry yesterday expressed concern over the 30% tariff proposed by the US, its biggest market.
US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a 30% reciprocal tariff on Sri Lankan exports from 1 August...
“If the 30% tariff stands, we risk seeing a migration of US buyers to lower-tariff countries,” the JAAF warned. “We strongly urge the Government to continue active engagement with the US Trade Representative (USTR) to secure a better deal for Sri Lanka.”...
The JAAF further stressed that a diplomatic resolution is vital to safeguarding jobs, sustaining market share, and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a trusted partner in global apparel supply chains.
The US remains the largest export market for Sri Lanka, accounting for 27% ($ 3 billion) of total manufactured exports ($ 12.8 billion) as of 2024—out of which textile and apparel exports accounted for 64% of total exports to the US.