August 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s clothing export industry continued to demonstrate resilience in June 2025, with overseas shipments of garments rising by 5.2 per cent compared to the same month last year.
Export revenues for the month totalled US $439.39 million, up from US $417.71 million in June 2024, driven primarily by solid demand from European buyers.
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the industry’s coordinating body, attributed the upswing to a notable increase in orders from both the United Kingdom and the broader European Union. Sales to the UK climbed significantly, surging by 20.4 per cent year-on-year to reach US $67.33 million.
Meanwhile, exports to EU countries (excluding the UK) grew by an even more impressive 23.1 per cent, bringing in US $142.92 million.
These gains managed to offset declines in other major markets. Shipments to regions outside Europe and North America dipped by 9.3 per cent to US $64.75 million. The United States, traditionally Sri Lanka’s top apparel destination, also saw a downturn, with exports falling 5.7 per cent to US $164.39 million for the month.
Looking at the broader picture, apparel exports for the first half of 2025 (January through June) showed a healthy 8.95 per cent year-on-year increase, rising from US $2.26 billion in 2024 to approximately US $2.46 billion this year. Within that six-month span, exports to the United States posted a modest gain of 4.1 per cent, totalling US $910.92 million.
Exports to the EU surged by 16.7% to US $769.89 million, while other global destinations saw an 8.9 per cent increase, amounting to US $413.60 million. The UK also showed steady growth during this period, recording a 6.45 per cent rise to US $366.53 million.
JAAF noted that the strong performance in European markets underscores the sector’s adaptability and the continuing trust in Sri Lankan manufacturing. Industry stakeholders have been actively working to diversify their export destinations and improve competitiveness amid a challenging global environment.
The association also highlighted that steady consumer confidence in Sri Lankan apparel — underpinned by ethical production standards and reliable supply chains — remains a critical factor in sustaining this upward trajectory.
