Released by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the export performance figures for August 2025 for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector show mixed results. While the country registered a slight decline in monthly exports s compared to the previous year, the industry maintained a healthy cumulative growth across the first eight months of 2025.

In August 2025, total apparel exports by Sri Lanka declined by 1.33 per cent Y-o-Y to $479.14 million, from August 2024. This decline was largely driven by softening demand in key markets. The nation’s dxports to the EU fell by 4.83 per cent, while shipments to the UK dropped by 2.6 per cent.Sri Lanka’s exports to the US, however, showed a modest gain of 0.92 per cent.

Despite the August contraction, the sector sustained positive momentum over the January–August 2025 period. Total year-to-date exports grew by 7.48 per cent to S$3.39 billion from $3.16 billion during the same period in 2024. This cumulative growth was supported by strong performance across all major regions as exports to the EU increased by 14.66 per cent, the US rose by 2.58 per cent, UK by 4.54 per cent and other markets by 9.45 per cent

Commenting on these results, JAAF stated, the month of August reflects the volatility in global markets, with pressure on exports to the EU and UK. However, the organization’s year-to-date performance demonstrates resilience, particularly with strong growth into the EU.”

The organization noted, the industry continues to face challenges but remains focused on enhancing competitiveness, diversification, and maintaining sustained engagement with key trading partners.

JAAF reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the Sri Lankan apparel industry maintains stability and is well-positioned to capture emerging opportunities within an uncertain global economic environment.