When the iron is hot hit it: Ex-Envoy Kananathan

The United States has dealt a heavy blow to South Asian trade by slapping 50% tariffs on most imports from India, a move expected to hit New Delhi's $86 billion annual exports to the U.S. hard. President Donald Trump said the decision is aimed at cutting India’s access to the U.S. market while pressuring it over continued purchases of Russian oil.

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Former ambassador to Kenya Kana Kananathan said Sri Lanka can see Both Peril and Promise After US. Slaps 50% Tariffs on Indian Imports

With Indian goods such as garments, jewellery, seafood, and carpets suddenly becoming far more expensive for American buyers, experts believe the ripple effects will be felt across the region.

For Sri Lanka, the situation is a mixed blessing, according to Ambassador Kananathan, who stressed that Colombo faces both unprecedented opportunities and serious risks.

A Window Opens for Sri Lanka

“As Indian products get priced out, buyers in the U.S. will inevitably look to other suppliers,” Kananathan said. “This creates an opening for Sri Lankan industries - from apparel and seafood to gems and handicrafts - to step in and capture part of that market share.