The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed the revised reciprocal tariff rate of 20% on Sri Lankan apparel exports to the United States, describing the change as a critical development for the sector. The updated rate brings Sri Lanka into closer alignment with regional apparel-exporting peers such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Pakistan.

JAAF expressed appreciation for the role played by the Government of Sri Lanka, particularly President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in steering efforts to secure this outcome. The association also commended the negotiation team led by Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury, for their continuous engagement following the initial tariff announcement in April.

Further recognition was extended to His Excellency Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, D.C., for their diplomatic involvement in maintaining open dialogue with US stakeholders.

JAAF stated that the revised tariff structure preserves the country’s competitive position in the US market, a key destination for Sri Lankan apparel. The association reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ethical labour standards, environmental sustainability, and innovation in manufacturing, and expressed optimism that ongoing collaboration with the US could lead to deeper trade relations and future tariff reductions.

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