Sri Lanka and EU to Convene 27th Joint Commission 📈

Sri Lanka and the European Union will hold the 27th Session of the Joint Commission in Colombo on 12 February 2026. This high-level dialogue serves as the primary institutional platform to review bilateral relations and drive economic cooperation. • Overall Trade Momentum: The meeting follows a robust 2025, where Sri Lanka’s total exports reached US$ 17.25 Bn (up 5.6% YoY). The EU remains a critical partner, with merchandise exports to the region growing by 12.2% to reach US$ 1.59 Bn in 2025. • Sector Breakdown: • Apparel & Textiles: Remained the primary driver with total sector earnings of US$ 4.91 Bn (up 5.34%). The EU recorded the strongest annual growth in this segment at 12.48%. • Tea: Earnings reached US$ 1.51 Bn (+4.97%), though the sector faces tightening EU regulatory standards on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). • ICT/BPM: Continued to diversify the export base with estimated 2025 earnings of US$ 1.64 Bn (+8.8%). • Coconut Products: Emerged as a top performer with 42.66% growth, totaling US$ 1.23 Bn. • Key Discussion Pillars: Beyond trade, senior officials will discuss governance, human rights, and development cooperation. A central focus remains the GSP+ scheme, which provides duty-free access for approximately 66% of tariff lines, contingent on the implementation of 27 international conventions. • Regional Context: The meeting occurs as the South Asian trade landscape shifts, following recent EU trade agreements with neighboring competitors, heightening the need for Sri Lankan industries to maintain cost-competitiveness and sustainability standards. _Note: Trade figures based on 2025 year-end provisional data._