Sri Lanka’s apparel exports up 6.8% to $ 3.8 billion in first nine months
Daily FT: The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has said total apparel exports for the period January to September 2025 stood at $ 3.8 billion, up 6.83% from a year ago while exports recorded a modest year-on-year growth in September 2025, supported by stronger performance in the EU and other markets, despite declines in shipments to the United States and United Kingdom.
Whilst the numbers are down from last month, JAAF noted that September has historically been lower than August.
In September 2025, total apparel exports amounted to $ 403.01 million, reflecting a 1.58% increase compared to $ 396.73 million in September 2024. Exports to the USA and UK declined by 4.71% and 15.06% respectively, while exports to the European Union rose by 10.75% and shipments to other destinations grew by 19.49%.
Despite mixed market trends during the month, the industry maintained steady progress over the first nine months of the year.
Total apparel exports for the period January to September 2025 stood at $ 3.8 billion, marking a 6.83% increase compared to $ 3. 5 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.
Exports to the United States grew by 1.73% to $ 1.46 billion, while the EU (excluding the UK) recorded a strong 14.24% growth, reaching $ 1.17 billion.
Exports to the United Kingdom rose by 2.31% to $ 533.73 million, and other markets expanded by 10.45% $ 630.29 million.
“While demand from some traditional markets continues to fluctuate, our exporters have demonstrated remarkable adaptability through efficiency, innovation, and market diversification. The positive cumulative growth highlights the strength and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector even amid global headwinds,” JAAF said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka and industry stakeholders to ensure policy alignment, support small and medium manufacturers, and sustain the industry’s position as a reliable, ethical, and future-ready sourcing destination.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s exports industry has witnessed steady growth through the years. Even during the economic crisis faced by the country in 2022, the exports industry managed to continue with its business despite many challenges earning the much-needed foreign exchange to the country at the time. However, the industry is now on a growth trajectory despite some challenges in the global market. Key among Sri Lanka’s export commodities are apparels with the apparel industry serving as a key revenue generator for the country. Sri Lanka’s strong trade ties with many foreign countries have also helped boost the local export industry, especially apparel exports. Given the focus of Sri Lankan authorities to further expand the export industry, especially the apparel industry, and the incentives for businesses in the industry as well as the fast-evolving requirements and demand in the foreign markets, there are many business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s apparel export industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20251104/Z_2 |