Sri Lanka, May 25 -- Sri Lanka's apparel exports recorded a decline in April 2026, with industry representatives calling for urgent policy support and structural reforms to strengthen the sector's global competitiveness.

According to the Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka (JAAF), total apparel exports fell by 4.72% year-on-year to US$ 328.15 million in April 2026, compared to US$ 344.40 million recorded in April 2025.

The decline was largely driven by weaker demand in Sri Lanka's key traditional export markets. Exports to the United Kingdom dropped by 16.91%, while shipments to the European Union declined by 8.78%. Exports to the United States, another major destination for Sri Lankan garments, also fell by 3.46% during the mo...