Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, announced that Sri Lanka and the United States are currently in active discussions aimed at securing duty-free access for a broad range of goods traded between the two countries.
Addressing the media, Dr. Fernando revealed that the negotiations are focused on reducing or removing tariffs on Sri Lankan exports to the U.S.—notably in the apparel and agriculture sectors—while also considering tariff reductions for certain U.S. goods imported into Sri Lanka.
“Although we are still in the middle of the process and no final agreement has been reached, the U.S. side has expressed willingness to consider granting zero-duty access to many Sri Lankan export categories,” he said.
Citing diplomatic protocol, Dr. Fernando noted that full details cannot be disclosed until the agreement is finalized. “Until we finalise the agreement, we are not disclosing the details under what we call non-disclosure exclusivity. That’s the proper diplomatic practice. Once we conclude, we will inform the public,” he added.
As part of the ongoing discussions, Sri Lanka has submitted a list of 1,161 export items, including 42 agricultural products. The list also features a wide array of garments and textiles, which represent a major portion of the country’s exports to the U.S.
Dr. Fernando stated that the U.S. has already agreed to grant duty-free access to approximately 70–80% of the items listed—a development he described as “highly encouraging.”
The talks are reciprocal, he stressed, with Sri Lanka also exploring reductions in tariffs on U.S. imports, which currently total around US$ 300 million annually. Present tariff rates on these goods range from 0% to 20%, and the government is evaluating whether modest reductions could be made without negatively impacting state revenue.
“This is part of a broader strategy to enhance bilateral trade and create mutually beneficial economic ties,” Dr. Fernando concluded.
