Colombo (ECONOMYNEXT) – The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed the Sri Lankan Government’s proactive engagement with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington D.C., praising President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his delegation for prioritising discussions aimed at advancing equitable and mutually beneficial trade ties.
Highlighting the critical role of the US as a long-standing trade partner, JAAF emphasized that Sri Lanka’s apparel industry — which directly employs 350,000 individuals and supports over 700,000 livelihoods nationwide — stands to benefit significantly from efforts to remove trade barriers and strengthen market access.
JAAF expressed hope that any future tariff arrangements would ensure parity with those enjoyed by other apparel-exporting nations, thereby maintaining a level playing field for Sri Lankan manufacturers. The association urged both governments to consider the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, a key pillar of the national economy and a recognized global leader in ethical manufacturing.
As discussions move toward a potential bilateral trade agreement, JAAF reiterated that Sri Lanka’s apparel sector adheres to the highest international standards in traceability, transparency, and sustainability. The association stressed that these strengths should be acknowledged through special concessionary tariffs.
“We are confident that Sri Lanka’s reputation as a responsible and competitive sourcing destination will be a strong foundation for future cooperation. We fully support continued dialogue aimed at creating a forward-looking agreement that fosters trade growth, attracts investment, and enhances shared prosperity,” JAAF stated.