Apparel Sector Eyes Growth beyond U.S. amid Tariff Concerns

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is shifting focus to emerging and EU markets as exports to the U.S. dipped 7.59% in May 2025 due to uncertainty over potential Trump-era tariffs.

UK shipments also dropped 6.18%, yet increased demand from the EU (up 5.15%) and other non-traditional markets (up 11.1%) helped maintain overall export revenue at near-2024 levels—just 0.63% lower at $365.08 million.

According to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the sector’s resilience lies in strategic diversification and investment in value-added products. From January to May, apparel exports grew 9.8% to $2.02 billion.

Exports to the EU (excluding the UK) rose 15.6%, and non-traditional markets posted a 13.12% rise. Despite May’s drop, cumulative exports to the U.S. were up 6.52%, while UK shipments grew 3.74%. JAAF remains optimistic about sustained growth outside traditional markets.

 

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