JAAF welcomes govt.’s efforts in US trade dialogue

• Seeks parity of tariff for apparel exports

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday issuing a statement welcomed the government of Sri Lanka’s proactive engagement with the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington D.C. and extended its appreciation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the delegation for prioritising discussions that advance equitable and mutually beneficial trade relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. “The US continues to be a vital and long-standing trading partner for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. As an industry that supports 350,000 employees directly and a further 700,000 livelihoods across the country, we are encouraged by the government’s commitment to address the key trade barriers and seek solutions that safeguard market access and competitiveness for Sri Lankan exports,” the JAAF said in the statement.

“We trust that any future tariff arrangements agreed upon will reflect parity with those offered to other apparel-producing nations, ensuring a level playing field for Sri Lankan exporters. In this context, we respectfully urge both governments to consider the long-term sustenance of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry—an industry that remains a key pillar of the national economy and a global leader in ethical manufacturing,” it added.

As discussions progress towards a potential bilateral trade agreement, the JAAF stated, “We take this opportunity to reiterate that Sri Lanka’s apparel sector operates with full traceability, transparency and sustainability, in line with internationally accepted ethical standards and that this should be recognised in setting a special concessionary tariff.”  

“We remain confident that Sri Lanka’s value proposition as a responsible sourcing destination is both credible and competitive.

We look forward to continued dialogue between the two governments and express our full support for a future-oriented agreement that will enhance trade, attract investment and contribute to shared prosperity,” it concluded.