Sri Lanka’s apparel exports recorded an increase in December 2025, driven mainly by stronger demand from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
According to data released by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), gains from these three key markets offset a decline in exports to other destinations during the month.
Exports to the United States rose by 6.49 per cent to US$178.29 million compared to December 2024, while shipments to the European Union increased by 6.76 per cent to US$141 million. Exports to the United Kingdom saw the strongest growth, rising by 12.95 per cent to US$55.12 million.
In contrast, exports to other markets declined by 4.06 per cent to US$72.8 million. Overall, apparel exports in December were US$23.03 million higher than in the corresponding month of 2024.
For the full year from January to December 2025, total apparel and textile exports reached US$5.02 billion, marking a 5.42 per cent increase from US$4.76 billion in 2024, an improvement of US$258.18 million year on year.
Including fabric exports valued at US$526.33 million, the sector’s total export earnings for 2025 amounted to US$5.51 billion.
During the year, the European Union recorded the strongest growth, with exports rising by 12.48 per cent to US$1.58 billion from US$1.40 billion in 2024. Shipments to the United States increased by 2.15 per cent to US$1.95 billion, while exports to the United Kingdom edged up by 0.74 per cent to US$679.66 million. Exports to other markets grew by 4.80 per cent to US$815.78 million.
Commenting on the performance, JAAF said closing the year above US$5.0 billion reflects the industry’s consistency across core markets, with the EU providing the strongest momentum. While growth in the UK, US, and EU was encouraging, the December decline in other markets highlighted the need to diversify demand and strengthen non-traditional markets.
JAAF added that sustaining growth will require improving competitiveness, maintaining delivery reliability, enhancing buyer confidence through consistent quality and responsible production, and expanding access to new and emerging markets.
