JAAF welcomes Government efforts on US tariffs

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed the Government of Sri Lanka’s proactive engagement with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington D.C.

The organisation in a media release extended its appreciation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the delegation for prioritising discussions that advance equitable and mutually beneficial trade relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.

The US continues to be a vital and long-standing trading partner for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry.

“As an industry that supports 350,000 employees directly, and a further 700,000 livelihoods across the country, we are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to address key trade barriers and seek solutions that safeguard market access and competitiveness for Sri Lankan exports. We trust that any future tariff arrangements agreed upon will reflect parity with those offered to other apparel-producing nations, ensuring a level playing field for Sri Lankan exporters. In this context, we respectfully urge both governments to consider the long-term sustenance of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry—an industry that remains a key pillar of the national economy and a global leader in ethical manufacturing,” the statement said.

As discussions progress towards a potential bilateral trade agreement, JAAF took this opportunity to reiterate that Sri Lanka’s apparel sector operates with full traceability, transparency and sustainability, in line with internationally accepted ethical standards and that this should be recognised in setting a special concessionary tariff.  

“We remain confident that Sri Lanka’s value proposition as a responsible sourcing destination is both credible and competitive. We look forward to continued dialogue between the two governments and express our full support for a future-oriented agreement that will enhance trade, attract investment, and contribute to shared prosperity,:” it said.