Relief for local apparel sector as US trims tariffs to 20%

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has welcomed the United States’ decision to revise the reciprocal tariff on Sri Lankan exports to 20 percent, a move the sector says is vital to retaining competitiveness in its top export market.

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The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the industry’s apex body, in a statement commended the government for its efforts in securing what it called a “critical outcome for the apparel sector”.

The revised rate follows months of negotiations after the tariff was initially set at 44 percent in April and later reduced to 30 percent. The final outcome was achieved following “pragmatic and sustained engagement” by the government’s negotiating team, the JAAF said.