July 26, Colombo (LNW): The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has welcomed the United States’ decision to impose a 10 per cent tariff on imports from Sri Lanka, describing it as a favourable outcome that will help the country’s exporters remain competitive in one of their most important overseas markets.
The association said the revised tariff represents a marked improvement over the considerably higher rates that had been under consideration earlier, offering much-needed confidence and stability for businesses engaged in export trade.
Expressing its appreciation, the EASL commended President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Government and the officials involved in discussions with US authorities, noting that their collective efforts had helped protect the interests of Sri Lankan exporters and the many thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
According to the association, the 10 per cent tariff effectively places Sri Lanka on a level playing field with several regional competitors, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia. It said this parity is particularly significant for export-oriented industries such as apparel, where buyers often compare production costs across multiple sourcing destinations before placing orders.
The EASL pointed out that even a relatively small difference in tariff rates can influence purchasing decisions and affect the country’s ability to secure international contracts, especially in highly competitive global markets.
While welcoming the latest development, the association stressed that Sri Lanka should now focus on negotiating a broader bilateral trade agreement with the United States. It said such an arrangement would provide greater certainty for exporters, improve access to the American market and deepen commercial ties between the two countries.
The EASL added that the changing nature of global trade policies highlights the need for more predictable and resilient trade frameworks, enabling Sri Lankan exporters to plan with greater confidence and compete more effectively in international markets.
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