Apparel exports maintain momentum, up 6.1% in first 10 months of 2025 – JAAF

Thursday, 27 November 2025 06:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Oct. exports flat with EU shipments up 12.53%, declines in US 1.92%, UK 11.99% and other markets 9.84%
Jan.-Oct. exports up in all sectors: EU up 14.05%; US 1.37%, UK 0.98% and other markets 8.31%

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday said apparel and made-up articles exports for January to October 2025 increased by 6.12% year-on-year (YoY), maintaining steady momentum despite weaker monthly results in October.

The JAAF said October 2025 recorded a marginal 0.05% decline compared with October 2024, reflecting uneven demand across key markets. Exports to the EU grew by 12.53% during the month, while shipments to the US fell by 1.92%, the UK by 11.99%, and other markets by 9.84%.

Over the first 10 months of the year, exports to the US rose by 1.37%, while the EU recorded a strong 14.05% increase. Shipments to the UK were up 0.98% and exports to other destinations expanded by 8.31% compared with the same period in 2024.

“Sri Lanka’s apparel sector continues to hold steady despite challenging global conditions,” the JAAF said. The Association said strong EU demand and the cumulative growth trend reflected resilience and continued investment in competitiveness.

“Sustained market diversification and consistent policy support will be essential as we work to build on this momentum in the months ahead,” the industry body added.

Shipments to the US and UK remained in contraction but performed better than in September, with US exports falling 1.92% in October compared with a 4.71% drop in the previous month. UK shipments declined 11.99%, an improvement from September’s 15.06% fall.

The EU was the only major destination to show sustained momentum. EU exports rose 12.53% in October, accelerating from 10.75% in September, reflecting steady demand despite broader global pressures.

However, shipments to other markets saw the sharpest reversal. After expanding 19.49% in September, exports to these destinations contracted by 9.84% in October, signalling volatility outside Sri Lanka’s traditional export base.