EU, UK demand lifts Sri Lanka's apparel growth in H1

The country’s apparel exports recorded steady growth of 5.2 per cent in June 2025, reaching $439.39 million, compared to $417.71 million in June 2024. Shipments surged 8.95 per cent in the first six months of the current year.

The increase in apparel exports was driven by strong performances in the European Union, which grew by 23.1 per cent to $142.92 million, and the UK, which saw a 20.4 per cent rise to $67.33 million in the same month. These gains helped offset declines in exports to the US, which fell by 5.7 per cent to $164.39 million, and other markets, which contracted by 9.3 per cent to $64.75 million.

Cumulatively, Sri Lanka’s total apparel exports rose by 8.95 per cent to $2,460.94 million during January to June 2025, up from $2,258.81 million in the corresponding period of 2024. Exports to the EU grew by a robust 16.7 per cent to $769.89 million, while exports to the US rose by 4.1 per cent to $910.92 million, the UK by 6.45 per cent to $366.53 million, and other destinations by 8.9 per cent to $413.60 million.

Commenting on the figures, Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) stated, “The figures reflect encouraging momentum in key markets like the EU and UK. The industry continues to navigate global headwinds with resilience, supported by strategic diversification and sustained buyer confidence in Sri Lankan apparel.”

Apparel and textiles accounted for 39.96 per cent of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports of $6,504.72 million during the first six months of 2025.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)