Sri Lanka’s apparel industry recorded a 5.2% year-on-year increase in exports for June 2025, reaching USD 439.39 million compared to USD 417.71 million in June 2024. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) attributes the growth to robust performances in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Exports to the EU (excluding the UK) surged by 23.1% to USD 142.92 million, while the UK recorded a 20.4% increase, reaching USD 67.33 million. These gains effectively offset weaker results in the United States, where exports fell by 5.7% to USD 164.39 million, and in other markets, which declined by 9.3% to USD 64.75 million.

For the six-month period from January to June 2025, total apparel exports grew by 8.95%, increasing from USD 2,258.81 million in 2024 to USD 2,460.94 million this year. EU exports during this period rose by 16.7% to USD 769.89 million, with exports to the USA rising by 4.1% to USD 910.92 million. The UK posted a 6.45% gain at USD 366.53 million, while other destinations saw an 8.9% increase, reaching USD 413.60 million.

JAAF noted that these results reflect encouraging momentum in critical markets, particularly in Europe. The association highlighted the industry’s continued resilience in the face of global challenges, driven by efforts in market diversification and consistent buyer confidence in Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing.

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