Expressing apprehensions over the government’s $6 billion export target, the Sri Lankan Joint Apparel Association (JAAF) has urged the industry to focus on reverting to pre-COVID performance. Tuli Cooray, Secretary General, JAAF believes, it would be difficult for the industry to achieve this target as strict protocols are in place across the country due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 situation is not allowing factories to work in full capacity, he adds.

He confirmed the industry has not set any targets but aims to revert to pre-COVID growth. As per a Daily FT report, Sri Lanka’s apparel exports declined 21 per cent in 2020 to $ 4.4 billion after posting a 5.1 per cent growth in 2019. Textile and garments exports in January 2021 declined by 11 per cent to $ 423 million from a year earlier, affirmed the Central Bank. However, other made up textile articles exports increased by 20 per cent to $ 13 million during the month.

Global demand for apparels has declined by 30 per cent, thereby posing a greater challenge for the industry and economy at large, added Cooray. However, earnings from PPE exports rose by 47.42 per cent to $876.44 million, added Export Development Board. Cooray further informed, JAAF is urging the Sri Lankan Government to finalize the impending free trade agreement (FTA) with China.