Sri Lanka’s apparel and made-up articles exports experienced a 5.43% increase, reaching $447.21 million in December 2025 compared to November 2025, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).
Growth was observed across the three main destination markets. Exports to the USA rose by 6.49% to $178.29 million, up from $167.43 million. Similarly, exports to the EU increased by 6.76% to $141.00 million, compared to $132.07 million. The UK saw a significant rise of 12.95%, with exports reaching $55.12 million from $48.80 million.
However, exports to other markets experienced a decline of 4.06%, falling to $72.80 million from $75.88 million. Overall, December exports were $23.03 million higher than the same month in the previous year.
From January to December 2025, total apparel exports grew by 5.42% year-on-year, amounting to $5,019.20 million. The strongest growth throughout the year came from the EU (excluding the UK), which rose by 12.48% to $1,576.39 million from $1,401.50 million. Exports to the USA increased by 2.15%, while the UK recorded a modest rise of 0.74%.
“Closing the year above $5.0 billion reflects the industry’s consistency across core markets, with the EU delivering the strongest momentum over the year,” stated the industry body. “At the same time, the dip in ‘other’ markets in December serves as a reminder that diversifying demand and strengthening non-traditional markets must remain a priority.”
(Colombo/Jan27/2026)
