Sri Lanka’s apparel exports posted steady growth in July 2025, rising by 9.84% to US$ 455.16 million, compared with US$ 414.38 million in July 2024, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).
The industry body noted that shipments to the EU (excluding the UK) recorded the sharpest increase of 26.69%, while exports to “Other” markets grew by 24.24%. The UK market saw only a marginal gain of 0.72%, and exports to the USA fell by 2.7% during the month.
For the cumulative period of January–July 2025, apparel exports reached US$ 2,916.10 million, up 9.09% from US$ 2,673.19 million in the corresponding period of 2024. Growth was broad-based across all major destinations, with exports to the EU (excluding UK) up 18.2%, “Other” markets up 11.02%, the UK up 5.65%, and the USA up 2.91%.
Commenting on the performance, a JAAF spokesperson said:
“The growth seen in July and over the first seven months of 2025 highlights the adaptability of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry and its firm position in key markets such as the EU. This reflects manufacturers’ ongoing efforts to meet buyer expectations on speed, quality, and compliance. Sustaining momentum will require expanded trade opportunities, supportive policies, and a stronger focus on value addition across the supply chain.”
