📈 Sri Lanka Apparel Exports Rebound 3.47% YoY in Sept 2026, YTD Lags Behind

Sri Lanka’s apparel & textiles sector showed positive signs of recovery in September 2026, though cumulative nine-month performance remains cautious amid heightened market competition, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). • Monthly Figures (Sept 2026): Total exports rose 3.47% YoY to US$ 416.99 Mn (up from US$ 403.01 Mn in Sept 2025). • Key Market Breakdown (Sept 2026): - US: Up 7.17% YoY to US$ 172.03 Mn - EU (excl. UK): Up 6.50% YoY to US$ 132.46 Mn - UK: Down 5.92% YoY to US$ 47.33 Mn - Other Markets: Down 3.89% YoY to US$ 65.17 Mn • Year-to-Date Performance (Jan-Sept 2026): - Cumulative apparel exports declined 5.52% YoY to US$ 3.59 Bn (down US$ 210 Mn from US$ 3.80 Bn in 2025). - YTD declines across all major export destinations: UK (-10.85%), EU (-5.44%), Other Destinations (-5.43%), and US (-3.69%). • Global Dynamics & Outlook: China's shifting apparel exports toward Europe due to US tariffs have intensified EU market price competition. JAAF emphasizes that sustaining momentum requires steady, competitively priced energy, policy support, and structural competitiveness across employment and manufacturing hubs.