The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has welcomed the United States’ decision to impose a 10% tariff on imports from Sri Lanka, saying the move will help maintain the competitiveness of Sri Lankan products in one of the country’s key export markets.
The association noted that the 10% tariff is a significant improvement over the higher rates previously proposed and provides greater certainty for Sri Lankan exporters.
The EASL also expressed its appreciation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and government officials for their engagement with US authorities to safeguard the interests of exporters and the thousands of workers who depend on the export sector.
According to the association, the revised tariff places Sri Lanka on an equal footing with several major export competitors, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia.
The association emphasised that maintaining a competitive tariff rate is particularly important for industries with narrow profit margins, such as the apparel sector, where international buyers closely compare production costs across sourcing destinations.
It further noted that even a small difference of 2.5% in tariff rates could significantly affect Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global markets.
While welcoming the decision, the Exporters Association also urged the Government to pursue a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement with the United States to establish a more stable and predictable long-term trading relationship between the two countries.
