What Sri Lanka can learn from Trump’s tariff war: Time to rebuild from within

EVEN our Vesak lanterns are made in China!

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It is a detail that might seem trivial, but it speaks volumes about how far Sri Lanka has drifted from local production and self-reliance. Today, we import not only high-tech products but also the simplest of goods that we once proudly made at home. Meanwhile, in the United States, President Donald Trump is once again shaking the global trade order—proposing sharp tariffs increases, particularly on Chinese imports.

His controversial proposal has reignited global debates around protectionism, economic sovereignty, and the future of industrial independence. While some fear trade wars and rising consumer prices, others see an opportunity for America to revive domestic production, spur innovation, and reclaim technological leadership.

Sri Lanka should be paying close attention

For decades, we have clung to an old-school economic belief: that labour shortages, weak industries, or lack of competitiveness should simply be solved by importing more. This mindset has steadily eroded our capacity to foster innovation and develop resilient industries.