Sri Lanka’s apparel export growth was propelled by a 23.1% increase in exports to the European Union (excluding the UK), amounting to $142.92m, and a 20.4% rise in exports to the UK, totaling $67.33m.
Despite these increases, there was a noted decline in exports to the US by 5.7%, totaling $164.39m amid ongoing uncertainty around US president Trump’s tariffs.
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There was also a contraction of 9.3% in other markets, which amounted to $64.75m.
Looking at the first half of the year, from January to June 2025, there was an overall climb of 8.95% in Sri Lanka’s apparel exports from $2.26bn in 2024 to $2.46bn in the current year.
The EU region, excluding the UK, saw a significant rise of 16.7%, reaching $769.89m and shipment to the UK was up by 6.45%, totaling $366.53m.
During this period, exports to the US increased by 4.1%, amounting to $910.92m and exports to other destinations grew by 8.9%, resulting in $413.60m.
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By GlobalData“The figures reflect encouraging momentum in key markets like the EU and UK. The industry continues to navigate global headwinds with resilience, supported by strategic diversification and sustained buyer confidence in Sri Lankan apparel,” JAAF said in a statement.
The country’s apparel exports was particularly strong in March, with JAAF data showing a 11.65% growth to reach $467m and the first quarter exports saw an increase of 11.7%, amounting to $1.3bn.
