Sri Lanka’s apparel recovery: Is Washington holding the thread?

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports rose 7.96 per cent in May 2026, driven by a 15.36 per cent jump in US shipments, highlighting its reliance on American demand.
However, the recovery faces a key test as the country seeks a trade deal before July 24 to avoid a proposed 12.5 per cent US tariff that could weaken its competitiveness against rival exporters.