US Tariffs : Sri Lanka holds two virtual rounds of talks with U.S. Trade Office
Sri Lanka has held two rounds of virtual discussions with the Office of the United States Trade Representative as part of efforts to address reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S., Deputy Economic Development Minister Anil Jayantha said.
The talks were conducted by a committee appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to formulate proposals to reduce the trade deficit between the two countries.
Minister Jayantha said a second letter outlining Sri Lanka’s position had also been sent to the U.S. President through the Sri Lankan mission in Washington.
During the discussions, Sri Lanka presented proposals aimed at narrowing the trade gap, while also requesting further dialogue on the matter, Jayantha said. He added that the Ministry of Finance is in communication with U.S. authorities and that diplomatic engagement is ongoing.
The government is also exploring the possibility of sending a Sri Lankan delegation to the U.S. to advance negotiations and finalize an agreement, he said.
Sri Lanka is currently engaged in efforts aimed at reducing its trade deficit with the U.S. and addressing the 44% tariff imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
The tariff — described as a combination of import duties and non-tariff barriers — was calculated based on the trade deficit between the two countries.
Over the past few days, the Trump administration announced a 90 day pause on global tariffs, but escalated its trade war with China, announcing a 145% tariff rate on goods exported to the US.
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