UK’s revised trade concessions – best deal for Sri Lanka By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s apparel industry now shares a competitive advantage in the UK market as they now qualify for a removal of barriers on raw materials sourcing alongside its duty free access effective January 1. The apparel industry currently markets with duty free access to the EU and the UK and on a reciprocal tariff to the US. Currently only about 50 per cent of exports from Sri Lanka enjoy duty free status to the UK and this new revision in the trade conditions allows manufacturers to source upto 100 per cent of their inputs from any country worldwide. Mr. Lawrence said JAAF had worked with UK teams both in London and Colombo and it has been very encouraging that Sri Lanka was able to secure this advantage in removing these trade barriers. The UK is Sri Lanka’s second largest garment export market at approximately US$675 million in value with exports expected to increase significantly under the new arrangements.

Source: Sunday Times January 11, 2026 04:40 UTC