Sri Lanka, July 11 -- Sri Lanka's apparel sector, a key pillar of the island's export economy, yesterday raised red flags over the United States' move to impose a 30 percent reciprocal tariff on all Sri Lankan products starting 1 August 2025. It warned that it could cost the country its competitiveness in a critical market.

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the apex body representing the industry, expressed deep concern, stating the tariff hike threatens to tip the playing field in favour of regional rivals and potentially redirect US sourcing away from Sri Lanka.

"If the 30 percent tariff stands, we risk seeing a migration of U.S. buyers to lower-tariff countries," JAAF warned, while urging the Sri Lankan government to contin...