A Sri Lankan delegation will visit the United States next month for discussions with the US Trade Office on reciprocal tariffs that will come into effect from 02 April 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath said in Parliament.
Addressing the Parliament yesterday, Minister Herath said discussions will be held on how Sri Lanka could avoid the reciprocal tariffs.
Minister Herath pointed out that Sri Lanka will be unable to bear such tariffs on exports as the country’s economic situation remains volatile.
The Foreign Minister further announced that a high-level Sri Lanka business forum will be held in the US next month with representatives of the Finance Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and delegates from the business community.
Minister Herath said Sri Lanka hopes to discuss the issue of tariffs and seek relief during discussions with U.S. Trade Office members during this visit.
He expressed hope that Sri Lanka, working within the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, would receive a tax waiver, as the country could not withstand increased tariffs.
In his first address of his second term to a joint session of Congress, US President Donald Trump defended his strict tariff policies, highlighting that the US has long faced high tariffs from several countries.
He announced that his administration would impose reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including Canada, Mexico, China, and India, starting April 2.
According to reports, last year, the US imported from Sri Lanka goods valued at US$3 billion, with more than 70% of the products from the garment sector going to the United States, making that country one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners.
Following President Trump’s announcement on reciprocal tariffs, the Sri Lankan Government is taking proactive measures to address its impact. (Newswire)