Apparel exports: Growth seen despite drop in shipments to US and UK
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports rose by 1.58% year on year in September to a little over $ 403 million, despite a downturn in shipments to the US and the UK.
According to the global apparel sector reporter Just Style, Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the US and UK fell 4.71% and 15.06%, respectively, in September, which were more than offset by a 10.75% rise to the EU and a 19.49% increase to other markets.
However, this was lower than August 2025, when apparel exports reached $ 479.14 million. This is consistent with the historical pattern of September exports generally being below August’s.
In terms of broader industry growth during the first nine months of the year, total apparel exports stood at $ 3.79 billion, marking a 6.83% increase from $ 3.55 billion during the same period last year.
During this nine-month timeframe, US-bound exports grew by 1.73%, amounting to $ 1.46 billion, while exports to the EU rose by 14.24% to reach $ 1.17 billion.
The UK market saw a modest rise of 2.31%, totalling $ 533.73 million, alongside a 10.45% expansion in other markets, resulting in $ 630.29 million.
In a statement Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) stated: “While demand from some traditional markets continues to fluctuate, our exporters have demonstrated remarkable adaptability through efficiency, innovation, and market diversification. The positive cumulative growth highlights the strength and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector even amid global headwinds.”
Recently, the World Bank issued a warning that a ‘baseline’ tariff of 20% imposed on all Sri Lankan freight by the Trump administration could decrease the nation's garment exports to the US by up to 12%.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, a non-profit human rights organisation, said that such a reduction could place substantial stress on employment, particularly impacting low-skilled workers and women.
