SLAMERP welcomes 10% US tariff rate, hails Govt.’s sustained advocacy as Sri Lanka’s rubber products industry praised the latest US trade decision, saying the outcome preserves the country’s competitiveness in one of its most valuable export markets.
SLAMERP welcomes 10% US tariff rate, hails Govt.’s sustained advocacy for exporters
The Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) has welcomed the decision by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to place Sri Lanka among the countries subject to a 10% tariff under the recently concluded Section 301 investigations. The Association described the move as a significant achievement that strengthens the outlook for Sri Lanka’s rubber products export sector while ensuring local manufacturers remain competitive in the United States.
According to SLAMERP, the decision places Sri Lanka on equal footing with several competing manufacturing nations, helping local exporters maintain their position in one of the country’s largest overseas markets. Industry representatives noted that earlier indications suggested Sri Lanka could have been subjected to a substantially higher tariff, which would have reduced the price competitiveness of locally manufactured rubber products in global supply chains.
The latest outcome follows a series of revisions to US trade measures introduced over the past 18 months. An initial 44% reciprocal tariff announced in April 2025 was later reduced to 30%, followed by 20%, before ultimately settling at 10% for Sri Lanka. Throughout this period, the Government of Sri Lanka maintained continuous engagement with US authorities through diplomatic and trade channels in an effort to safeguard the country’s export interests.
SLAMERP welcomes 10% US tariff rate, hails Govt.’s sustained advocacy as a reflection of those sustained efforts. The Association expressed appreciation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Commerce, the Export Development Board, and other officials who contributed through ongoing negotiations and high-level discussions.
SLAMERP Chairman Pushpika Janadheera described the decision as an important milestone for the country’s export manufacturing industry. He said tariff parity is critical because international buyers evaluate sourcing destinations based not only on product quality and reliability but also on overall costs. Maintaining a competitive tariff structure enables Sri Lankan manufacturers to continue attracting global customers while reinforcing confidence in the country’s long-term export potential.
The United States remains one of Sri Lanka’s most significant export destinations for Sri Lanka rubber exports, with a wide range of value-added products shipped to the market. These include industrial gloves, medical gloves, tyres, solid tyres, industrial rubber goods, natural rubber mattresses, pillows, and numerous specialised rubber products used across various industries.
The rubber products sector continues to play a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economy by generating substantial foreign exchange earnings, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods throughout the rubber value chain, and contributing significantly to the country’s manufacturing sector. Industry stakeholders believe the latest tariff decision will provide exporters with greater certainty as businesses navigate evolving global trade conditions.
The Association also noted that the outcome is expected to strengthen investor confidence by providing greater stability for companies serving international markets. With predictable market access and improved competitiveness, manufacturers are better positioned to expand exports, attract new investments, and build long-term partnerships with overseas buyers.
In addition, SLAMERP highlighted that the successful conclusion demonstrates the importance of close cooperation between the Government and the private sector in addressing trade-related challenges. The Association said coordinated engagement with international partners can produce positive outcomes that directly benefit Sri Lanka’s export industries and wider economy.
SLAMERP welcomes 10% US tariff rate, hails Govt.’s sustained advocacy while reaffirming its commitment to working alongside government agencies and industry stakeholders to further improve Sri Lanka export competitiveness. The Association said continued collaboration will help strengthen market access, support sustainable industrial growth, and contribute to Sri Lanka’s long-term export-led economic development.