Apparel exports up 8% in May on stronger US demand

Apparel exports expanded 7.96 percent year-on-year in May 2026 to US$ 394.14 million, marking the sector’s strongest monthly performance so far this year.

The increase was driven largely by a rebound in demand from the United States, industry data showed.

Exports to the United States, Sri Lanka’s largest apparel market, climbed 15.36 percent to US$ 149.96 million during the month, while shipments to non-traditional markets increased 14.61 percent to US$70.67 million. Exports to the United Kingdom edged up 0.87 percent, while the European Union recorded a marginal decline of 0.3 percent to US$121.35 million.

The improvement comes as Sri Lanka’s apparel industry seeks to secure a more favourable tariff outcome in the United States, where a proposed trade measure could see Sri Lankan exports face an additional 12.5 percent tariff, compared with a proposed 10 percent rate for several competing manufacturing nations.

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said the May performance reflected continued confidence among international buyers despite a challenging global trade environment.

“May’s numbers are genuinely encouraging, and they reflect the trust our buyers continue to place in Sri Lankan manufacturing even amid a challenging trade environment,” JAAF said.

“Our focus now is on securing a fair and competitive tariff outcome in Washington, so that this momentum can translate into long-term growth rather than a short-term gain. We remain confident that with the right policy support, the second half of 2026 can be considerably stronger for the sector.”

Despite the stronger May showing, cumulative apparel and textile exports for the first five months of 2026 fell 4.68 percent year-on-year to US$ 1.93 billion, reflecting weaker demand earlier in the year across the United States, European Union and United Kingdom.