JAAF wants more tariff concessions from US as some regional competitors get better terms

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) is calling on the government to push for further reductions in US tariffs on apparel exports, warning that regional competitors may secure more favourable terms.

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Sri Lanka has already succeeded in bringing down an initial 44% tariff to 30%, but JAAF says this still places the country at a disadvantage, compared to rivals like India, which was offered a lower 26% rate from the outset.

"India's position remains under discussion, but early signals suggest it may receive a more favourable rate than Sri Lanka," JAAF said in a statement.

Vietnam, which has negotiated its tariff rate down to 20%, has also offered duty-free access to the US, market, while Bangladesh has initiated talks to reduce its current 35% rate. Cambodia, whose rate is only slightly higher than Sri Lanka's, is also expected to seek concessions.