Crisis-hit Sri Lankan apparel exports grow in April 2025

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports recorded a strong performance in April 2025, with total exports rising by 15.14 per cent compared to the same month last year.

This growth was driven by robust demand from key markets, including the US (up 6.83 per cent), EU (excluding UK) (up 27.04 per cent), and the UK (up 7.45 per cent). Exports to other destinations also increased by 21.18 per cent, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said in a media statement on Monday.

Cumulatively, from January to April 2025, total apparel exports reached US$1.66 billion, reflecting a 12.4 per cent increase over the same period in 2024. Notably, exports to the EU rose by 18.13 per cent, the US by 10.06 per cent, and other markets by 13.56 per cent, while the UK market grew by 6.26 per cent.

“These results reaffirm the resilience and continued competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry amid ongoing global challenges,” the statement said in the backdrop of potentially crippling US tariffs which take effect.in July.