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Sri Lanka is engaged in ongoing discussions with the United States to further reduce reciprocal tariff rates on Sri Lankan exports, according to NPP MP Padmasiri Bandara.

Speaking to the media after a public event in Anuradhapura, Bandara said the government is committed to securing better trade terms for Sri Lankan producers.

He addressed criticism from the opposition, which has accused the U.S. of using tariffs to influence Sri Lanka’s policy decisions.

“The opposition has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. is using tariffs to pressure the government, but we’ve proven otherwise,” Bandara stated.

He highlighted that through successful negotiations, tariff rates have already been reduced from 44% to 30%, and then further down to 20%.

Bandara added that discussions are continuing with the goal of lowering the rates even further to support local exporters.