The British High Commission in Sri Lanka has informed the Joint Apparel Associations Forum (JAAF) that it will publish a technical report within five weeks detailing the concessions granted by the UK to Sri Lanka for duty-free exports.
Speaking to the *Sunday Mawbima* newspaper, JAAF General Secretary Yohan Lawrence stated that the types of goods eligible for export to Britain under the new system, and the volume that can be exported, will be determined based on the findings of this report.
He added that the extent of concessions Sri Lanka receives from the UK for apparel and other exports can be fully assessed once the report is available. Currently, about 50% of Sri Lanka’s apparel products are exported to the UK under the existing trade scheme, which he identified as a concern.
Lawrence further noted that the tariff relief Sri Lanka will receive under the British trade scheme for 2026 will be advantageous, particularly in the context of tariff impositions by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The UK has granted this duty-free export incentive following a decision by the British Department for Business and Trade. On July 10, the Department announced on its official website that countries including Nigeria, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and several Asian and African nations will be allowed to export duty-free to the British market under the Developing Countries Trade Scheme.
Eligible export goods include garments, food items, electronic devices, and more.
Lawrence emphasised that it is crucial to determine whether these British tariff concessions will also be extended to other countries competing in developing industries. However, Britain has not yet announced if such advantages will be provided to other nations on the same basis.
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