Govt. to send high-level delegation to US over tariff talks

Thursday, 17 April 2025 03:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A high-level delegation will travel to the US next week to hold direct discussions with the US Trade Representative following Trump administration’s decision to impose a steep 44% tariff on Sri Lankan exports.

The move comes after a series of virtual meetings with US authorities and a detailed review of the crisis, which threatens Sri Lanka’s single largest export market.

Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe confirmed the trip to the Daily FT, noting that the final composition of the delegation is still being finalised.

“The delegation will present our concerns directly and see a path forward that projects Sri Lanka’s exports, jobs and economic stability,” he said.

Wijesinghe said the move comes after President Anura Kumara Disanayake-appointed special committee was formed to examine the full implications of the US tariff decision and propose urgent countermeasures.

He said the discussions so far have covered both the economic reasoning behind the US tariff move and the wider implications for developing countries like Sri Lanka.

The US accounts to about 25% of Sri Lanka’s total exports. The apparel and textile industry in particular faces significant risk.

The delegation is expected to push for continued tariff relief beyond the 90-day reduction to 10% while also exploring long-term solutions such as expanded trade cooperation, regulatory alignment and targeted US market engagement strategies.

The President appointed special committee comprised Senior Economic Adviser to the President Duminda Hulugamuwa, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, Trade Secretary A. Wimalaneththiraja, Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Senior Director General Dharshana Perera and EDB Chairman Wijesinghe, Brandix CEO Ashroff Omar, MAS Co-Founder Sharad Amalean, Lanka Garments MD Saif Jafferjee, and Michelin Lanka’s Head of Legal and Public Affairs Nilanthi Weliwe, Labour Minister Dr. Anil Jayanta Fernando and Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma.