EU, UK drag Sri Lanka apparel exports lower in August

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports slipped in August from a year earlier, dragged by weaker demand from Europe and the UK, though the cumulative shipments for the year remained firmly higher, the industry data showed.

Total exports stood at US $ 479.14 million in August, down 1.33 percent from the same month in 2024, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). 

Shipments to the US rose 0.92 percent, while exports to the European Union (EU) and UK fell 4.83 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively. Exports to other destinations were unchanged year-on-year. For the January-August 2025 period, apparel exports grew 7.48 percent to US $ 3.39 billion, compared with US $ 3.16 billion a year earlier. 

Analysis showed that growth was led by a 14.66 percent increase in shipments to the EU, alongside gains of 2.58 percent to the US, 4.54 percent to the UK and 9.45 percent to other markets.

“The month of August reflects the volatility in global markets, with pressure on exports to the EU and UK. However, our year-to-date performance demonstrates resilience, particularly with strong growth into the EU,” said the JAAF.

It added that the industry continues to face challenges but remains focused on competitiveness, diversification and sustained engagement with key trading partners.

The JAAF said it would work closely with the policymakers and stakeholders to maintain stability and capture the emerging opportunities in an uncertain global environment.