Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the US and UK declined by 4.7% and 15.6% respectively, in the month of September, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the apex body for Sri Lanka’s apparel and textile sector.
“Exports to the USA and UK declined by 4.71 % and 15.06 % respectively, while exports to the European Union rose by 10.75 % and shipments to other destinations grew by 19.49 %,” the statement said.
The statement added that while the numbers for September were down, it mentioned that the month of September has historically shown lower export performance than August.
“In September 2025, total apparel exports amounted to $ 403.01 million, reflecting a 1.58% increase compared to $ 396.73 million in September 2024.”
According to the statement, total apparel exports for the period January to September this year stood at $ 3,798.25 million, marking a 6.83 % increase compared to $ 3,555.54 million recorded during the same period in 2024.
Exports to the United States grew by 1.73 % to $ 1,461.02 million, while the EU (excluding the UK) recorded a strong 14.24 % growth, reaching $ 1,173.21 million. Exports to the United Kingdom rose by 2.31 % to $ 533.73 million, and other markets expanded by 10.45 % to $ 630.29 million.
“While demand from some traditional markets continues to fluctuate, our exporters have demonstrated remarkable adaptability through efficiency, innovation, and market diversification,” the statement added. “The positive cumulative growth highlights the strength and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector even amidst global headwinds,” JAAF said.
