US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order imposing a 44 percent tariff on Sri Lankan goods, citing it as a reciprocal measure to what he described as the 88 percent in taxes and trade barriers imposed by Sri Lanka on the United States.
The United States remained Sri Lanka’s largest export destination, accounting for 23% of total merchandise exports.
U.S. total goods trade with Sri Lanka were an estimated $3.4 billion in 2024. U.S. goods exports to Sri Lanka in 2024 were $368.2 million, up 4.9 percent ($17.1 million) from 2023. U.S. goods imports from Sri Lanka totaled $3.0 billion in 2024, up 6.1 percent ($173.5 million) from 2023. The U.S. goods trade deficit with Sri Lanka was $2.6 billion in 2024, a 6.3 percent increase ($156.4 million) over 2023.
US imposes 44% tariff on Sri Lankan goods, citing reciprocity for SL’s 88% trade barriers.
The US remains Sri Lanka’s top merchandise export market, accounting for 23% of total exports. pic.twitter.com/rwetdlHfWT— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) April 3, 2025
Sri Lanka’s main export products to United States in 2023 were Men’s and Women’s Under Garments, Women’s Outerwear, Men’s Outerwear, Pneumatic & Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tubes, T-shirts, Gloves, Mitts & Mittens of Textile, Warm Cloths (Jerseys, Pullovers etc), Motor Vehicles & Parts, Active wear/Sportswear, and Babies’ Garments.
