Sri Lankan exporters who ship goods worth around $3 billion annually to the U.S. were expecting tariffs below 20% to remain competitive with regional rivals such as Vietnam and Bangladesh. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
The U.S. has announced a 20% tariff on Sri Lankan exports, marking a 24% reduction from the initial rate proposed for the island nation.
As the deadline for tariff negotiations ending on Friday (August 1, 2025), Sri Lankan officials were continuing talks to seek a further reduction.
The tariffs will go into effect on August 7. In April, U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a 44% tariff on Sri Lankan goods, half of the 88% duty Colombo had levied on U.S. imports.
The rate was then reduced to 30% last month.
Sri Lankan exporters who ship goods worth around $3 billion annually to the U.S. were expecting tariffs below 20% to remain competitive with regional rivals such as Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Published – August 01, 2025 10:12 am IST
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